Dusty May returning as FAU head coach next season, plans to sign long-term extension, source says

Students, fans give FAU final sendoff as team heads to Houston to face San Diego State in Final Four

BOCA RATON, Fla. ā€“ After leading Florida Atlantic to the Final Four for the first time in school history, head coach Dusty May told CBS Sports Thursday that he plans to sign a long-term contract extension with the Owls.

May, who is currently in his fifth season at FAU, boasts a 101-59 overall record and has had a winning record in all five seasons in Boca Raton.

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A school that used to be known for coaches looking to rebound now has a team headed to the Final Four.

May started his coaching career as a student manager for Hall-of-Fame coach Bob Knight at Indiana.

He was offered his first head coaching job by FAU Athletic Director Brian White in 2018 and is now looking to bring a national championship to South Florida.

May, 46, currently makes just less than $500,000 a year at FAU. His new deal, which is expected to get done after the tournament, will reportedly pay May more than $1 million annually, according to CBS Sports.

Local 10 News was at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena as the Owls boarded a bus en route to Palm Beach International Airport.

Before the buses took off, May gave his final message to FAU supporters: ā€œHey, we will see you guys Tuesday with a natty (national championship).ā€

Florida Atlantic currently own a 35-3 record, which is the best in college basketball and by far the best in school history.

The Owls were able to fly past No. 8 Memphis, No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, and No. 4 Tennessee before upsetting No. 3 Kansas State in the Elite Eight to punch their ticket to Houston.

FAU will take on No. 5 San Diego State on Saturday where the winner will have a chance to play in the NCAA National Championship Game.

If the Owls end up winning their game against the Aztecs on Saturday and the Miami Hurricanes defeat the UConn Huskies, both South Florida teams will compete in the national championship game for the first time in history.

Tip-off is set for 6:09 p.m.


About the Author

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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