Dusty May emerges as top UNC target, but Michigan won’t let go easily

North Carolina’s search for its next head coach has been the talk of the town before the Final Four tips off in Indianapolis. A large reason for it is that UNC’s top two choices, Tommy Lloyd of Arizona and Dusty May of Michigan, ironically will coach against each other. Because of the noise surrounding Lloyd, Arizona acted swiftly and gave Lloyd an extension with some lucrative benefits.

With Lloyd staying at Arizona , the Tar Heels turned their attention to May, and rightfully so. In two seasons in Ann Arbor, May is 62-13 with two Big Ten championships — one regular-season title and one tournament title — and Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. Before he came to Michigan, May had great success at Florida Atlantic, going 126-69 from 2018 to 2024.

He led the Owls to the Final Four in 2023, losing to San Diego State on a buzzer-beater in the national semifinals. However, unlike Lloyd, who was giving a lot of mixed signals , May was more upfront about how much he and his family love being at Michigan. "I think it's well-documented how happy I am at Michigan,” he said during a media availability on Friday.

“Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important. So, yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you'll never hear me comment on any other job, unless Michigan lets me go, and I'll comment on every job. " The University of Michigan’s athletic brass have also been on top of things and will do whatever they can to keep May.