Former Oklahoma State Coach Mike Boynton Inks Two-Year Deal with Michigan

Mike Boynton’s interim tag didn’t last long.

The University of Michigan announced Friday that Boynton has agreed to a two-year contract to lead the Wolverines’ program following Dusty May’s departure to the NBA.

“I’m grateful to Warde (Manuel, Michigan’s AD) for his confidence and thankful for the opportunity to lead this program,” Boynton said in Michigan’s release. “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.”

This marks the second college program Boynton has been in charge of after spending seven seasons as Oklahoma State’s coach following the abrupt departure of Brad Underwood.

After his firing from OSU in 2024, Boynton joined May’s staff in Ann Arbor and put together the top defense in the nation as the Wolverines went on to win an NCAA title this past season.

When the Dallas Mavericks hired May late last month, Boynton was initially given the interim tag. In the weeks since, he’s kept that Michigan squad together despite a late portal window opening up because of May’s exit. Michigan also had the No. 2 recruiting class in the country when May left, and Boynton was able to keep them all.

“Mike is a veteran assistant with strong head coaching experience and a clear understanding of the standard we expect at Michigan,” Manuel said. “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. 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’s tenure in Stillwater was a roller coaster. He went 119-109 in his seven seasons, making a lone NCAA Tournament appearance. But, shortly after he took the OSU job, the FBI’s probe into college basketball put the program under sanctions. His tenure also saw the pandemic and the introduction of NIL into college sports. There were also some ups, like that NCAA Tournament run led by eventual No. 1-pick Cade Cunningham — a season that took place in limited-capacity arenas.

It’ll be interesting to see what a Boynton program could look like flush with resources in this modern world.