Michigan men’s basketball officially elevated Mike Boynton to interim head coach on Tuesday, June 23, after Dusty May left for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
The change could have a role in the Wolverines’ roster ahead of next season. While Michigan has built a group of talented players through the transfer portal and high school ranks for 2026-27, those players will have the chance to enter the transfer portal again due to the coaching change.
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However, it would be tough to leave at this point in the offseason, with summer workouts and preseason practice coming up quickly, along with other college rosters being filled up. That hasn’t stopped other programs before, though, especially if some of Michigan’s top players decide to jump ship following the coaching change.
The transfer window rules are a bit different, however, due to Boynton’s role as an interim coach being elevated from assistant status, compared to a new head hire altogether.
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Here’s a look at what the coaching change means for Michigan’s roster ahead of the 2026-27 season:
Can Michigan players enter transfer portal after coaching change?
Yes, although not for a few weeks, due to NCAA rule differences between hiring a full-time coach and naming an interim head coach.
When can Michigan players enter transfer portal?
Michigan players won’t be able to freely enter the transfer portal for a bit, should they decide to do so. The NCAA confirmed to both ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and On3’s Pete Nakos on June 23 that since Boynton wasn’t named the full-time head coach, players can’t enter the transfer portal without losing eligibility for 31 days.
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It’s a big difference from if Michigan was to hire a full-time head coach, as Wolverines players would have been able to freely enter the portal five days after the new coach was either officially hired or announced, according to NCAA rules. That window lasts 15 days.
Per the NCAA:
When a head coaching change occurs, a 15-day period will open five days after the new head coach is hired or publicly announced. If a new head coach is not announced within 30 days of the previous head coach’s departure — and the 31st day after the head coach’s departure is after the championship game — a 15-day window will open. The additional head coach departure window is available only after the basketball transfer window opens through Jan. 2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When can Michigan players enter transfer portal? NCAA rules have a twist
