The Michigan Wolverines were dealt an unfortunate blow just months after winning a national championship. After two seasons in Ann Arbor, head coach Dusty May left the program to become the Dallas Mavericks‘ head coach.
It was a surprising decision, and shortly after the news broke, Michigan named Mike Boynton Jr. the interim head coach. USA Today’s Jordan Mendoza reports that he is likely to hold the position for the 2026-27 college basketball season and could even become the permanent replacement.
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After spending seven seasons as the Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach, Boynton has plenty of experience leading a team. However, any time there is such a major coaching change, it’s not surprising to see changes to the roster.
Former Michigan head coach Dusty May (left) and current interim head coach Mike Boynton Jr. (right).© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, the Wolverines are hoping to keep their top player out of the transfer portal and in Ann Arbor. On Thursday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Tennessee Volunteers transfer forward J.P. Estrella won’t be going anywhere.
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“NEWS: Michigan transfer big-man J.P. Estrella is going to remain with the Wolverines, he told ESPN, as he quickly bonded with interim coach Mike Boynton and his teammates after arriving on campus nearly two weeks ago,” Thamel wrote.
At 6-foot-11, Rivals lists him as a four-star recruit, the No. 8 power forward and the No. 37 player to hit the portal this offseason. He was one of three transfer players the Wolverines secured commitments from.
Estrella is coming off a breakout season with the Volunteers. He appeared in 33 games, averaging 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists, all of which were career highs. He also shot 59.6% from the field and 40% from beyond the three-point line.
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While he committed to Michigan with expectations that May would be running the show, he isn’t going anywhere with Boynton now at the helm.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
