Boynton Signs Two-Year Pact to Run Michigan's Title Defense

Mike Boynton has secured a two-year contract to serve as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. The agreement finalizes his permanent role following the departure of Dusty May, who accepted a position with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks after leading Michigan to a national championship.

Boynton previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach on May's staff. The university initially appointed him as interim head coach before converting the position into a full-time appointment. This hiring decision concludes the most notable move in the recent coaching carousel for men's basketball.

Before joining May's staff, Boynton led Oklahoma State for seven seasons. He compiled an 119-109 record during that tenure and guided the Cowboys to one NCAA Tournament appearance. His time in Stillwater ended in 2023-24 when the program let him go following a 12-20 season.

Boynton attributes his current readiness to his time working directly with May. During Big Ten media days, he described the past two years as a professional sabbatical. He stated he learned how to manage a high-functioning organization while sitting next to May. He cited lessons in identifying specific player qualities and delegating responsibilities effectively.

The coaching turnover at Michigan mirrors changes across other major programs. Kansas State hired Casey Alexander to replace Jerome Tang. Alexander enters the role with a 303-180 career record from stops at Stetson, Lipscomb, and Belmont. Tang was fired after a 45-47 stretch over three seasons that followed a strong initial year.

LSU brought Will Wade back for a second stint after his dismissal in 2022 for recruiting violations. Wade previously went 105-51 at the program. He replaced Matt McMahon, who was let go after a 60-70 record in four years. Wade also led N.C. State to an NCAA Tournament appearance before returning to Louisiana.

North Carolina made a distinct choice by hiring Michael Malone. Malone had no prior ties to the program and no college head coaching experience. He finished his NBA career with a 510-394 record and a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. He succeeds Hubert Davis, who went 125-54 in five years.

Syracuse hired Gerry McNamara to replace Adrian Autry. McNamara holds the program's career records for three-pointers and minutes played. He arrives after leading Siena to a 23-12 season and an NCAA bid. Autry was fired after a 49-48 record in three seasons without a tournament appearance.

On the women's side, Alabama hired Pauline Love to succeed Kristy Curry. Love served as an assistant under Curry before the latter left for South Florida. Tammi Reiss moves to a new program after going 138-73 at Rhode Island. She replaces Kelly Rae Finley, who was fired after five seasons.

Northwestern named Carla Berube as head coach following the retirement of Joe McKeown. Berube went 147-29 at Princeton and made the NCAA Tournament in each of her last five seasons. McKeown finished his 18-year tenure with a 276-279 record.