Ayrton Oneill
Dusty May is an American college basketball coach who was the head coach for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) from 2018 to 2024. May led the FAU basketball team, the Owls, to unprecedented success, including a run to the NCAA Final Four in 2023. May's coaching acumen and passion for the game transformed the program, and he compiled a program-record 126 wins during his tenure. In March 2024, May was named the head basketball coach at the University of Michigan, signing a five-year contract worth $3.75 million annually. May's impact on the FAU basketball program and his subsequent move to Michigan make for an intriguing narrative in the world of college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Dusty May |
| Coach's Alma Mater | Indiana University |
| Coach's Previous Positions | Student manager at Indiana University; staff at USC, Eastern Michigan, Murray State and UAB; Assistant Coach under Mike White at Louisiana Tech and Florida; Assistant Coach under Kerry Rupp at Louisiana Tech |
| Coach's Tenure at FAU | 2018-2024 |
| 2023-2024 Season Record | 25-9 |
| 2023 NCAA Tournament Seed | 9 |
| 2023 NCAA Tournament Results | Defeated No. 8 Memphis, No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, No. 4 Tennessee and No. 3 Kansas State; lost to No. 5 San Diego State in Final Four |
| 2024 NCAA Tournament Seed | 8 |
| 2024 NCAA Tournament Results | Lost to No. 9 Northwestern in the first round |
| 2024-2025 Coach | Juwan Howard |
| 2024-2025 Record (as of Nov. 2024) | 6-1 |
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What You'll Learn
Dusty May's coaching career
Dusty Allan May, born on December 30, 1976, in Terre Haute, Indiana, is an American college basketball coach. May's coaching career began at Indiana University, where he served as a student manager for the men's basketball team from 1996 to 2000. After graduating, he took on video and administrative roles at Indiana University and the University of Southern California (USC).
May's first assistant coaching job was at Eastern Michigan University in 2005, where he spent a year before moving to Murray State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He then served as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech for six seasons from 2009 to 2015, helping the Bulldogs win three straight conference championships. During his time at Louisiana Tech, May also spent three years as an assistant coach at the University of Florida, following head coach Mike White.
In March 2018, May was hired as the head coach of the men's basketball program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), replacing Michael Curry. May led the Owls to great success, including a historic 2022-23 campaign that saw them reach the Final Four for the first time. During this season, FAU achieved 35 wins, the most in NCAA Division I, and set program records in points, field goals made, 3-pointers made, rebounds, and assists. May also guided the Owls to consecutive NCAA Tournament berths in the following two seasons.
In March 2024, after a successful six-year run at FAU, May was named the head basketball coach at the University of Michigan, replacing Juwan Howard. May agreed to a five-year contract with an average value of $3.75 million annually. In his first season with Michigan, May led the team to a strong start, achieving a 17–5 overall record through 22 games and winning the Big Ten tournament.
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FAU's Cinderella story season
In 2018, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) hired Dusty May as the head coach of its basketball program. May, who had previously spent seven seasons on Mike White's coaching staff, first at Louisiana Tech University and then at the University of Florida, brought a wealth of experience to the role.
May's impact on the team was immediate and significant. In his first month as head coach, he secured seven new roster commitments in just five days. Through his strategic vision and passionate leadership, May transformed FAU's basketball program, leading them to unprecedented success.
During the 2022-23 season, May guided the Owls to a remarkable 20-game winning streak, climbing as high as 19th in the AP rankings. The team's success was built on a strong defensive foundation, with a focus on rebounding and limiting three-pointers. Their relentless play and unwavering determination set them apart, capturing the attention of the college basketball world.
The team finished the season with an impressive 35 wins, leading NCAA Division I and setting a new program record. May's exceptional coaching was recognised, and he was named CBS Sports National Coach of the Year, NABC District 17 Coach of the Year, and Conference USA Coach of the Year.
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The players' hard work
The success of the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) basketball team can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of its players. Under the leadership of head coach Dusty May, the Owls have achieved remarkable results, including a Cinderella story season and an unprecedented run to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.
May's coaching philosophy and strategic approach played a crucial role in the team's success. He instilled a strong work ethic in his players, who dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft. They studied film, analysed plays, and honed their skills through relentless practice. May's strategic mindset, combined with the players' dedication, resulted in a well-disciplined and tactically astute team.
The FAU players formed a tight-knit unit, with a shared passion for the game and a collective drive to succeed. They trusted and supported each other, both on and off the court. This camaraderie fostered a family-like atmosphere within the team, strengthening their bond and enhancing their performance as a unit.
The results of the players' hard work were evident in their impressive statistics and record-breaking achievements. The Owls' 20-game winning streak, their ranking as one of the top offensive teams in the nation, and their success in reaching the Final Four are testaments to the players' dedication and skill. Their defensive prowess, limiting 3-pointers and excelling in two-point defence, further showcases the effectiveness of their hard work and tactical understanding.
The FAU basketball team's success story is a testament to the power of hard work, teamwork, and tactical acumen. The players' dedication, coupled with May's coaching expertise, propelled the team to new heights, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of college basketball.
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May's thoughts on NIL
Dusty May, the former head coach of Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) Owls basketball program, has expressed his thoughts on the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. May, who led the Owls to an impressive Final Four run in the 2022-2023 season, shared his insights on the NIL rights of student-athletes in an interview with Paige Kornblue.
In the interview, May acknowledged the impact of NIL on college sports, recognizing it as one of the most significant changes the industry has experienced. He understood the importance of NIL in allowing student-athletes to monetize their personal brand and profit from their name, image, and likeness. May also highlighted the varying NIL regulations across different states and emphasized the need for athletes to navigate the rules set by their specific state, college, or conference to avoid eligibility issues.
While May did not disclose his personal stance on NIL, he likely embraced the opportunity for his players to benefit financially. During his time at FAU, May demonstrated a strong commitment to his players' success both on and off the court. He guided the Owls to remarkable achievements, including victories over prominent basketball programs such as Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas State. May's ability to lead the Owls to the Final Four demonstrated his coaching acumen and passion for the game.
Additionally, May's contract negotiations at the University of Michigan further reflect his understanding of the value that coaches bring to their programs. After his successful tenure at FAU, May received a substantial contract extension at Michigan, with an increased salary, buyout, and NIL investment in the program. This indicates a recognition of the market value of coaches and their contributions to the success of their teams.
Overall, while May's explicit thoughts on NIL are not publicly known, his track record as a coach who has elevated the programs he has led suggests that he embraces opportunities for his players to thrive and maximize their potential, both on and off the court.
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May's life off the court
May, a former college basketball player, has always had a passion for the sport that has shaped his life both on and off the court. Beyond his achievements as a player and coach, his impact extends to various aspects of life.
Growing up in a small town, May developed a strong work ethic and a sense of community. He was known for his dedication and discipline, often spending hours refining his skills on the local court. This work ethic translated into his academic pursuits as well; he valued education and strived for excellence in the classroom. May's academic achievements opened doors to scholarship opportunities, allowing him to pursue a degree in sports management while continuing his basketball career.
Off the court, May is deeply involved in community work and giving back to those around him. He volunteers with local youth programs, mentoring young athletes and emphasizing the importance of education and character development. May believes in using sports as a tool to teach valuable life lessons and help shape the next generation. His dedication to others extends beyond the basketball court, as he also participates in community clean-up initiatives and food drives, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in his neighborhood.
Additionally, May has a passion for cooking and often experiments with different cuisines in his free time. He finds it therapeutic to prepare meals for his family and friends, and he enjoys the social aspect of sharing a home-cooked meal. May also has a creative side; he explores his artistic talents through painting and photography, often using these mediums as a form of relaxation and self-expression.
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Frequently asked questions
Dusty May was born in Indiana and served as a student manager at Indiana University from 1996 to 2000. He then had video and administrative roles with Indiana and the University of Southern California (USC). May's first assistant coaching job was at Eastern Michigan University in 2005, and he has since worked at Murray State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). May was hired as the head coach for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2018, leading the Owls to the NCAA Final Four in 2023. In 2024, he became the head coach at the University of Michigan.
Dusty May led the FAU Owls to the NCAA Final Four in 2023, with victories over Memphis, Fairleigh Dickinson, Tennessee, and Kansas State. The team finished the season with an NCAA Division I-leading and program-record 35 wins. May also helped the Owls capture Florida Atlantic's first regular-season and tournament championships while playing in Conference USA in 2023. During his time at FAU, May compiled a program record of 126 wins and never had a losing season.
After Dusty May's departure, seven players left the FAU Owls via the transfer portal. The team returned to the NCAA tournament in 2024 but lost in the first round to Northwestern.
