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TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 22: Head coach Grant McCasland of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and head coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide shake hands after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May stunned the college basketball world with his decision to depart for the Dallas Mavericks. May spent the last two years at Michigan and led the Wolverines to a national championship, but now the program will begin its search for a third head coach in as many years.
Here are six head coaches Michigan should consider pursuing to replace May amid the shocking departure.
1. Billy Donovan
If Michigan wants an experienced, high profile and proven head coach, no candidate offers more credibility than Billy Donovan. He built a dynasty at Florida in the 2000s, winning consecutive national championships and producing a lot of elite talent before spending the last decade in the NBA. Now, he is without a job and could be a candidate for the Wolverines.
Donovan’s success at both the college and professional levels make him a very intriguing candidate that Michigan should pursue, but the likelihood of him taking the job seems relatively unlikely. Still, it’s worth a phone call. Michigan has the championship pedigree and resources to make a competitive offer, which could be enough to convince him to return to the college ranks.
2. Nate Oats
Prior to becoming one of the nation’s most successful head coaches at Alabama, Nate Oats coached at Romulus High School — less than a half hour from the University of Michigan – for more than a decade. In addition to his ties to the state, he is one of the more forward-thinking head coaches in the country, and his modern coaching style would fit perfectly with Michigan.
It’s unclear if he would even consider Michigan, but Oats should be a top target nonetheless. Going after him would be an expensive move because his contract buyout is reportedly $15 million, but it could be worth it if you’re able to bring in a Final Four caliber head coach with a strong recruiting reputation and an offensive system that is tailor-made for today’s game.
3. T.J. Otzelberger
Among the most realistic candidates, T.J. Otzelberger might just be the strongest fit. Otzelberger has turned Iowa State into one of the toughest and most consistent programs in the country. Despite having significant recruiting disadvantages compared to transitional powerhouses, he has overachieved every season by developing high IQ players and relentless defenders.
Not only is he a proven winner — leading Iowa State to a Big 12 Tournament title in 2024 and reaching the Sweet Sixteen in three of the last five seasons – but he is also an exceptional culture builder, a strong talent evaluator and has roots in the Midwest. Oh, and his contract buyout is only in the ballpark of $4 million. If Michigan can lure Otzelberger away, it would be a fantastic hire.
4. Grant McCasland
If the Wolverines are hoping to hire an experienced and proven coach capable of sustaining championship-level success, Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland definitely deserves serious consideration. He built a reputation as a strong culture-builder who emphasizes accountability, player development and team chemistry, all of which are qualities that align with Michigan’s structure.
His teams are known for discipline, physicality and toughness, and McCasland’s programs have ranked among the nation’s best defenses throughout his career. Since taking the Texas Tech job, he has also displayed an ability to construct a balanced and talented roster. It remains to be seen if McCasland is willing to leave Texas Tech, but Michigan should reach out to him.
5. Josh Schertz
After becoming one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel in recent years, Josh Schertz decided to remain at Saint Louis. Due to his offensive creatively and strong Midwest connections, Schertz could be another name to watch in Michigan’s coaching search if he expresses interest in making a jump to the Big Ten level, something we haven’t seen him do yet.
Michigan might end up being the school that intrigues Schertz enough to make the leap to the power conferences, and he seems to be more attainable compared to other candidates. Even though he likely isn’t a top candidate, he would be a quality hire. It could also be beneficial because he’s close friends with May, so he could pitch Schertz to the players on the current roster and make the transition relatively smooth.
6. Ben McCollum
There are few coaches that have experienced a faster rise than Ben McCollum, who went from dominating the Division II level two years ago to coaching in the Big Ten. In his first season at Iowa, McCollum showed why he’s had success at every stop, leading the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight as a 9-seed. So, could Michigan now try to lure him away?
Around coaching circles, McCollum is certainly viewed as one of the brightest tactical minds in college basketball. Michigan could hesitate to hire another coach with limited power-conference experience, but McCollum has an elite track record of winning with an innovative offensive approach. Plus, he’s only 45 years old, so he could be a more long-term solution.
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