Michigan officially ushered in a new era on Friday by naming Mike Boynton Jr. the program’s next head men’s basketball coach. It didn’t take long for two of the biggest names in Wolverines basketball to weigh in on the decision.
Former Michigan head coach Dusty May, now leading the Dallas Mavericks, and legendary former Wolverines coach John Beilein both offered glowing endorsements of Boynton, expressing confidence that the program remains in excellent hands.
Dusty May: “Nobody More Deserving”
May, who spent the past two seasons rebuilding Michigan into a national championship program before leaving for the NBA, praised Boynton for the impact he has already made in Ann Arbor.
“You couldn’t ask for a better person to lead Michigan basketball,” May said. “Mike has poured everything he has into this program from the day he got here. He’s an outstanding coach, an even better person, and our players believe in him because they see the work he puts in every single day.”
May also expressed his excitement for Boynton and his family as they begin this next chapter.
“I’m incredibly proud of him and excited for Mike, Jen, Ace and Zoe,” May said. “There’s nobody more deserving of this opportunity, and I know he’ll do an outstanding job leading this program.”
The endorsement carries significant weight considering the two worked side by side while leading Michigan to a 64-13 record and the program’s first national championship in 37 years.
John Beilein Gives His Stamp of Approval
Former Michigan coach John Beilein, who guided the Wolverines to two national championship game appearances and remains one of the most respected figures in college basketball, also believes Michigan made the right choice.
“Mike Boynton is an excellent coach who already has valuable experience as a head coach at the high major level,” Beilein said. “He absolutely is the right guy at the right time to become the next head men’s basketball coach at Michigan.”
Beilein pointed to Boynton’s existing relationship with the current roster as one of the biggest reasons for optimism.
“I sense his connection to the guys on this roster will allow Mike to get the best out of these young men,” Beilein said. “I have talked with Mike several times over his two seasons at Michigan and have always been impressed with his knowledge of the game, his personality, and his relationship with the staff and players.”
Beilein concluded by expressing confidence in what lies ahead.
“I believe Mike will get the most out of this very talented team. As always, I will be rooting for Mike and his Michigan team this season. Go Blue!”
Strong Support for Michigan’s New Leader
Receiving praise from both the coach who just delivered a national championship and one of the greatest coaches in Michigan history speaks volumes about Boynton’s reputation.
As the Wolverines begin preparing for the 2026-27 season, Boynton will do so knowing he has the support of two coaches who understand exactly what it takes to succeed in Ann Arbor.
If their confidence is any indication, Michigan believes it has found the right person to carry the championship tradition forward.
Don Drysdale
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