UNC coaching search: Dusty May states it is 'well-documented how happy I am at Michigan'

North Carolina’s coaching search has quickly become one of the biggest storylines in college basketball. However, one of their rumored top targets isn’t entertaining the noise.

Michigan head coach Dusty May addressed speculation linking him to the Tar Heels job following the dismissal of Hubert Davis. May made it clear where he stands as the carousel begins to spin.

“After last year, I decided I will never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said, via The Field of 68. “… I’m never going to comment on any job that I don’t have. I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan.

“Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important. So, yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you’ll never hear me comment on any other job, unless Michigan lets me go, and I’ll comment on every job.”

That response comes as little surprise, even as May’s name has surfaced prominently in connection with the opening in Chapel Hill. North Carolina is widely viewed as one of the premier jobs in college basketball, and Davis’ departure after five seasons has created a vacancy that will draw interest from some of the sport’s biggest names. 

May, fresh off a rapid rise and current Final Four run with Michigan, fits the profile of a splash hire. But Michigan is making its stance just as clear.

Athletic director Warde Manuel has already publicly emphasized the university’s desire to keep May long-term. It signaled that efforts are underway to ensure he remains in Ann Arbor.

“I want Dusty to be the coach at Michigan for a long time,” Manuel told CBS Sports. “I will actively work with him towards making all that happen.”

That likely means a contract extension, increased financial commitment, or both. A proactive move to fend off interest from blue-blood programs like North Carolina. Meanwhile, May’s rise to this point has been nothing short of impressive.

After leading Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance in 2023, he quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in the game. Now in his second season at Michigan, he has the Wolverines positioned as a national title contender, further elevating his profile at a time when elite jobs are opening.

That timing is what makes the speculation unavoidable. Still, May’s comments suggest a coach focused squarely on the present, not potential opportunities elsewhere.

Meanwhile, North Carolina faces a critical decision in replacing Davis, who compiled a 125-54 record during his tenure and led the program to multiple high points, including an ACC regular-season title and national championship appearance. The Tar Heels will undoubtedly aim high in their search.

For now, one of the most discussed candidates isn’t budging publicly. And as Michigan continues its postseason push, May’s focus appears exactly where he says it is, right in Ann Arbor.

— On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this article.