Indiana basketball coach search: Dusty May gives definitive answer on replacing Mike Woodson, leaving Michigan

With Michigan coming to Bloomington, some Indiana fans may have been looking to get a look at Dusty May more than anything. Mike Woodson is stepping down at the end of the season and IU needs a head coach. May’s name will be linked throughout the search until somebody is hired, especially since it’s his alma mater.

Saturday’s postgame press conference gave May an opportunity to speak on the situation, giving a definitive answer on the possibility. He stated Michigan is where he wants to be but the main goal was to get a win against Indiana. He can certainly check that box.

“That stuff’s crazy,” May said. “I love being at Michigan, I love our team. We’re fighting like crazy, that’s it. This place is my foundation but I’m very, very happy at the University of Michigan. Came here to win a game and mission accomplished.”

A follow-up question was presented, asking what May would say to Michigan fans who are worried about losing him.

“There’s nothing I can say that’s going to make this one way or the other,” May said. “I love being at Michigan, that hasn’t crossed my mind other than just what other friends and family have said. Honestly, I’ve eliminated all that.”

May is in his first season at Michigan after previously being at Florida Atlantic. His name began to blow up in the coaching world after taking the Owls to a Final Four, landing his first high-major job with the Wolverines.

Early results have been good as Michigan improved to 18-5 overall and 10-2 in Big Ten play against Michigan. On3’s James Fletcher currently has them safely in the NCAA Tournament field, being a six-seed in the Midwest region.

“First of all, it’s flattering when you have the path that I had and have, I’m still on that same path,” May said. “It makes you feel good because what’s your competitive advantage as a student manager as a marginal Division II player?

“You think back and all I did was show the great energy and passion for this game and help people every day. Because of that, I think people always saw something or believed in me and then you get to this point.”

Michigan will not see Indiana again this season unless a Big Ten Tournament matchup takes place. An important three-game stretch is on deck, beginning with Purdue on Tuesday. May will then lead his team into Columbus next Friday before hosting Michigan State.