Michigan’s Search for Dusty May’s Successor Should Start With One Coach

Michigan basketball is suddenly searching for a new head coach after reports surfaced that Dusty May is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

The timing is far from ideal for the Wolverines. May just delivered a national championship and appeared poised to keep Michigan among the nation’s elite programs for years to come.

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Now athletic director Warde Manuel faces one of the most important hires in recent school history.

If Michigan wants a proven winner with Midwest roots, elite recruiting ability, and a track record of building championship-caliber programs, the answer seems obvious.

TJ Otzelberger.

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Otzelberger Checks Every Box

Few coaches in college basketball have done a better job over the last five years than Iowa State’s head coach.

After inheriting a Cyclones program that won just two games during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, Otzelberger engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent college basketball history. In his first season, Iowa State won 22 games and reached the Sweet 16. Since then, the Cyclones have become a perennial Top 10 program and one of the toughest teams in America.

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His teams are known for their relentless defense, physical toughness, player development, and culture.

Those qualities would fit perfectly at Michigan.

A Proven Builder and Recruiter

Otzelberger’s success did not begin at Iowa State.

Before returning to Ames, he led South Dakota State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and later guided UNLV through a challenging rebuilding effort. Along the way, he developed a reputation as one of college basketball’s top recruiters and relationship builders.

At Iowa…

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Publish date : 2026-06-22 15:16:00

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