What happened: Dusty May is finalizing a deal to leave Michigan and become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. He is the first college head coach to take an NBA job since John Beilein, another former Michigan coach, joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. The move pulls May from the college ranks straight onto an NBA bench, a path few coaches take.

Why it matters: Direct jumps from college to the NBA are unusual, and the seven-year gap since the last one underscores how rarely teams hand the keys to a coach without pro experience. For Dusty May, who led Michigan basketball back into the national picture, the leap reshapes both his career and the Wolverines program he leaves behind. Dallas is betting that a proven program-builder can translate to the next level.

What to watch: Watch for an official announcement from the Mavericks and the start of Michigan's search to replace May.