Dusty May, Billy Donovan Buzz Swirling Before The Final Four

As Dusty May gets ready to lead Michigan into the Final Four, and Billy Donovan finishes up the 2025-26 season with the Chicago Bulls, major buzz is swirling for both head coaches. The North Carolina Tar Heels have a head coaching opening. UNC fired head coach Hubert Davis following a first round ...

by Andrew Holleran

Mar 31, 2026

Michigan head coach Dusty May.

As Dusty May gets ready to lead Michigan into the Final Four, and Billy Donovan finishes up the 2025-26 season with the Chicago Bulls, major buzz is swirling for both head coaches.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have a head coaching opening. UNC fired head coach Hubert Davis following a first round loss in the NCAA Tournament. Davis, who took over for the legendary Roy Williams, was ousted by the Chapel Hill, North Carolina program.

“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.”

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images&period;

UNC has yet to hire a replacement.

Several big-time coaches, like Nate Oats and Tommy Lloyd, have been linked to the vacancy. UNC is considered by many to be arguably the top job in all of college basketball.

Speculation surrounding the two big-time coaches are swirling amid the head coaching vacancy.

Buzz swirling for Donovan, May

UNC is expected to make a run at Billy Donovan, while Dusty May could leave for an NBA gig.

"Let's say Billy Donovan leaves the Chicago Bulls for the North Carolina job, which multiple sources have told OutKick is a real possibility for the former Florida Gators head coach. This could lead the Bulls to make a run towards Dusty May, or at least gauge his interest in a jump, especially if he wins a national championship," Outkick reported.

Meanwhile, if the Bulls job doesn't open up, Bill Self could retire at Kansas, leading to a potential Jayhawks' run at May.

"Would the potential opening at Kansas outweigh him running it back with the Wolverines? I'm just pointing out a few scenarios that could take place here, so don't destroy the messenger," the report added.

"What about the Chicago Bulls, if Billy Donovan were to take the North Carolina job?"

Where do you see May landing in 2026-27?