Mavericks eye reigning NCAA Champion coach who would help turn things around

The Dallas Mavericks' search for a new head coach has kicked off, as the team has shown interest in some of the top college coaches. NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported that Dallas has some interest in Duke's Jon Scheyer, Cooper Flagg's former coach. They also included Michigan's Dusty May (subscription required) as a name Dallas is eyeing.

"It remains to be seen whether Duke's Jon Scheyer or Michigan's Dusty May reach full-fledged candidate status with Dallas since both are so entrenched with their universities, but league sources tell The Stein Line that there has been exploratory conversation with both college titans to try to determine if there is any interest," Stein and Fischer reported.

Reports indicate that Dallas is showing exploratory interest in the Michigan coach. So, while interest is still in the early stages, the idea of May being a candidate to replace Jason Kidd shouldn't be overlooked. He is a reigning NCAA Champion, as he recently helped lead Michigan to a National title in 2026. His resume and expertise make him the perfect candidate to help turn things around in Dallas.

Remember, the Mavs parted ways with Kidd last month with the intention of starting fresh. May fits the Mavericks' needs for a head coach who can turn things around and help build a contending roster for the future. The NBA has seen numerous college coaches, such as Brad Stevens, Billy Donovan, and Larry Brown, find success in the NBA. Nothing suggests the same can't be done with May.

Dusty May's resume speaks for itself

The Mavericks want a head coach ready to turn things around after the team lost 56 games last season. They're beginning a new era with Flagg as their franchise cornerstone, and the team isn't going to rush this process by any means.

They want to take all of the right steps to return to contention, and Masai Ujiri is confident that the Mavericks will get back to their winning ways. After seeing how well Michigan did last season, it's easy to see why May would be a great option to help lead them to this goal.

General Manager Mike Schmitz explained during a recent roundtable discussion with members of the media that Dallas is looking for someone with leadership values, communication skills, and a strong connection with players. Collaboration is another important aspect, especially seeing how Nico Harrison and Kidd weren't on the same page on certain moves.

One candidate who checks all the Mavs' boxes above is Michigan coach Dusty May. He is among the best college coaches in the country with a track record that speaks for itself.

May demonstrated huge success in his first season with Michigan. He helped turn the team around, as they finished the season with a 25-9 record. This was a major leap from two seasons ago, as they had an 8-24 record. During the 2024-25 season, the Wolverines advanced to the Sweet 16. Michigan, though, fell to the No. 1 seed Auburn. This marked the third season he had taken a team to the NCAA Tournament.

He later found tremendous success in his second season with Michigan. May helped the Wolverines finish the season with a 31-3 regular-season record, and they made a run to the Big Ten Championship. This helped the university kick off the NCAA Tournament as a one seed, and it earned him the Henry Iba Coach of the Year award.

May's ability to turn things around at Michigan earned the team a national title in 2026. The coach showed he has what it takes to lead a team to newfound success. It's possible he could also have new success in Dallas if he were chosen as the next head coach. Plus, the ability to work with Cooper Flagg gives him the upper hand.

May fits what the Mavs want in their head coach

As mentioned above, Dallas wants someone who can lead the team to new heights and connect with players. This is where Dusty May comes into play. He is an experienced coach who can easily get the best out of his players and quickly turn things around.

His ability to help develop players is one thing that stands out. Last season, Michigan didn't have any players considered lottery-bound in the preseason. However, the Wolverines now have three players projected in the top 15 thanks to May. He helped players such as Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Morez Johnson Jr. quickly get noticed by NBA scouts.

The Mavericks are going to need for their young players to grow significantly in this mini-rebuild, and May has proven that he can help his players develop at a high level.

Plus, he has shown the ability to have players play at their strengths. He plays players in areas that work in their favor. For example, he helped transform his top big men into dominant passers. This is why someone like Mara is highly valued in the draft.

It's not hard to imagine May's coaching philosophy finding success in the NBA. Remember, Flagg struggled early in the season because Kidd forced him into the point guard role. The Rookie of the Year, though, found success after being transitioned into more of a secondary playmaker alongside a true point guard. So, it's easy to imagine May using Flagg in areas where he'll succeed.

Dusty May has the intangibles and resume to help turn things around. He would be the perfect candidate to overtake Jason Kidd's job and kick-start a new era in Dallas.

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