In a fascinating twist to the NBA's offseason coaching carousel, newly appointed Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May was on the Golden State Warriors' "short list" if Steve Kerr had opted not to return. This adds an intriguing layer to May's swift jump from a national championship with Michigan to the professional ranks, a move that surprised many across both college and pro basketball. May ultimately signed with the Mavericks, becoming the first coach to transition to the NBA immediately after winning an NCAA national title since Larry Brown in 1988.
May's abrupt departure from Michigan came despite a public announcement in April by athletic director Warde Manuel that a contract extension was agreed upon, intended to keep May in Ann Arbor for "many years to come." May never actually signed that extension, suggesting he was keeping his options open for NBA opportunities all along. May led Michigan to a stellar 37-3 record and the 2026 NCAA National Championship.
May's coaching style, which Michigan's No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg described as running the Wolverines' program "like an NBA program" with a pro-style offense, likely made him an attractive candidate for NBA front offices. The Warriors, in particular, had a direct connection through Lendeborg, who played under May at Michigan and spoke highly of his preparation for the next level.
The Warriors' interest in May speaks volumes about their succession planning and the type of coach they value. Despite Kerr's eventual return, the fact that a national championship-winning college coach with a reputation for developing pro-ready talent was a serious consideration points to a desire for a coach who can blend player development with a modern, adaptable offensive scheme. Dallas, meanwhile, has invested heavily in May, pairing him with Cooper Flagg and reuniting him with former Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr., whom the Mavericks selected No. 9 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Looking ahead, May's transition to the Mavericks will be a closely watched experiment. He inherits a roster built around young talent like Flagg and Johnson Jr. The immediate focus for May will be to translate his collegiate success to the NBA, developing his young core and establishing a winning culture in Dallas. His ability to adapt his pro-style offense and defensive schemes to the professional game will determine the Mavericks' trajectory in the coming seasons.
Golden State Warriors 
