Michigan has promoted assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. to head coach, removing his interim title on Friday afternoon. Boynton, 44, steps into the full-time role following Dusty May's departure for the NBA's Mavericks.
Boynton served as an assistant for Michigan over the last two seasons, focusing on defense. During his tenure, the Wolverines ranked No. 12 and No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom metrics. He was elevated to interim coach when May finalized his deal with the Mavericks in June.
"Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head-coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "Over the past two seasons, he has been an invaluable member of our staff, bringing stability, leadership and perspective during an important period of success."
Manuel added, "Our players and staff believe in his vision, are committed to his leadership and are excited for the opportunity to pursue great success together this season."
Boynton expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I’m grateful to Warde for his confidence and thankful for the opportunity to lead this program," Boynton said. "We have built a championship culture and a standard that everyone associated with this program takes great pride in. We have an outstanding group of players, and I’m excited to get to work and continue the success we’ve established together."
Before joining Michigan, Boynton spent seven seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State, where he led the team to a top-20 defense in three of his final four seasons. His tenure with the Cowboys concluded with a 119-109 overall record, including a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the 2020-21 season. Boynton's path to Oklahoma State also followed a coaching change, as he took over after Brad Underwood left for Illinois.
Boynton inherits a Michigan program that won the national championship in the previous season.