Cooper Flagg’s new coach one of 3 first-timers in NBA this season
Dusty May Takes the Helm of the Dallas Mavericks as the NBA Welcomes a New Cohort of First‑Time Coaches
Dallas, Texas – In a move that has added fresh intrigue to the NBA’s coaching landscape, the Dallas Mavericks announced that Dusty May, the former Michigan head coach who led the Wolverines to the 2025 NCAA championship, will start his first regular‑season NBA campaign in just a few days. May’s arrival follows a wave of coaching changes across the league, with six teams now led by first‑time head coaches.
A Proven Track Record in High‑Pressure Games
May’s résumé may look unusual for an NBA debutant, but it is anything but ordinary. He guided Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance in 2023, and a year later steered Michigan to its first national title since 1998. “I’ve been in that environment,” May told reporters in Dallas. “Not at the level, obviously, but I’m someone who’s big on visualization. I see myself there.” He added, “Once the game starts, for 48 minutes I can have 100 % of my focus on the court and our bench.” His experience in arenas that have sat the full capacity of college and NBA crowds, coupled with a history of handling big‑game pressure, has left him confident in his readiness for the NBA.
A League‑Wide Shake‑Up
May’s hiring is part of a larger reshuffling that has seen six franchises turn to new leadership. The Orlando Magic welcomed former San Antonio assistant Sean Sweeney, the Portland Trail Blazers appointed former Minnesota assistant Micah Nori, the Milwaukee Bucks hired former Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins, the New Orleans Pelicans brought in former Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley, and the Chicago Bulls named former interim Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter. All of these men are stepping into their first head‑coach roles in the NBA.
Sweeney emphasized the team‑first approach that has become a hallmark of his tenure in Orlando: “What do we need to do today? Where are we at? How did we do with it? What do we need to improve on?” He underscored the importance of setting high standards and maintaining them.
Nori, who signed a one‑year contract with Portland, spoke candidly about the shift in responsibility: “I’ve been around a lot of head coaches, so you start to see what you would do and what you’d like to do. The biggest difference is that it ends with you. It’s your program now.” He noted that the rare one‑year deal reflects his belief that a strong first season could open doors for future options.
Mosley, recently moved from Florida to Louisiana, described his transition as a “reawakening.” He highlighted the young, energetic roster he now has: “There’s so much of it here that it’s easy to pour into an organization like this.” Jenkins and Splitter were similarly optimistic; Splitter was a “coach‑of‑the‑year” candidate last season, while Jenkins had already seen success at his previous stop.
A Season of Proof
The NBA has seen examples of first‑year coaches achieving early success. Mike Brown guided the New York Knicks to a championship in his inaugural season, while San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson reached the Finals in his second year (his first full season as head coach). These cases illustrate that a coach’s first season can be a proving ground.
May’s own track record of turning programs around – taking a mid‑major like Florida Atlantic to the Final Four, then guiding a storied program like Michigan to a national title – suggests he has the adaptability and game‑planning skills that can translate to the professional level.
Dallas’s Outlook
The Mavericks, who have struggled to find a consistent voice on the bench since parting ways with former head coach Mark Miller in 2021, see May as a fresh start. Their roster, featuring veteran guard James Harden, promising young forward Jalen Brandon, and defensive anchor Deandre Jordan, will be tested against the league’s best.
May’s emphasis on visualization and focus could be a new cultural shift for the franchise. “Once the game starts, I can have 100 % of my focus on the court and our bench,” he said. “I’ve been in that environment, so I know what it takes to perform when the lights are on.”
The Mavericks’ first regular‑season game under May’s direction is scheduled for the opening weekend of the NBA season, with the team set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, Oct. 28. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether a coach with a college‑style approach can adapt to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
Looking Ahead
The NBA’s new coaching cohort, led by Dusty May, represents a fresh wave of leadership that could reshape team cultures across the league. Whether May’s experience on the college stage will translate to success in Dallas remains to be seen, but the Mavericks have placed a coach who knows the weight of a championship and the mental fortitude required to chase it. As the 2026‑27 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dallas to judge how a coach who once guided a mid‑major to the Final Four can navigate the high‑stakes world of professional basketball.
