Michigan Coach Dusty May Explains Why He Won't Comment on North Carolina Job Opening

After North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis following another disappointing season, there are two names that keep coming up: Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and Michigan's Dusty May. On Friday, the Wildcats and Lloyd agreed on a new contract, and while the Wolverines are reportedly working on a new one with May — speculation will continue.

Michigan is in Indianapolis, prepared to take on Arizona on Saturday night in the Final Four, but that's not going to stop questions toward May about the Tar Heels' opening. North Carolina is one of the bluebloods of college basketball, and typically, it can get whatever coach it wants.

However, after last season with May saying he was 'flattered' regarding his alma mater, Indiana, showing interest, he said he will not respond to any more job speculation.

Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May watches during practice ahead of a Final Four game — Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"After last year I decided I'll never respond to any job speculation," May said. "I had already agreed to terms with Michigan, was 100 percent done, and I made the comment that I was flattered about a certain job opening because of my background, and that was misconstrued, so I just decided 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. Yeah, I love it at Michigan, but you'll never hear me comment on any other job unless Michigan lets me go and then I'll comment on every job."

Michigan working on a deal

Just a week ago, athletic director Warde Manuel said he was working with Dusty to ensure that he was the coach at Michigan for a very long time.

"I want Dusty to be the coach at Michigan for a long time and continue to achieve great success. I will actively work with him towards making all that happen," Manuel said.

May originally signed a four-year deal to coach at Michigan ahead of his first season. But after taking the Wolverines to the Sweet 16, May signed a new five-year contract worth an average of $5.1 million per year.

Arizona and Lloyd just agreed to a new five-year deal worth an average of $7.5 million. The deal will make him a top-five paid coach in the sport and it has plenty of bonuses, plus a pool of money for his assistants.

With Lloyd off the table, it's possible North Carolina comes at May even harder. If the Wolverines hope to retain May for the foreseeable future, Michigan will have to commit to May as Arizona did with Lloyd.