When Mike Boynton accepted the challenge of leading Michigan basketball into a new era, one of his biggest priorities was creating stability. After keeping nearly the entire roster together following the coaching transition, Boynton has now accomplished something just as important behind the scenes.
Michigan’s new head coach revealed that the Wolverines are retaining the overwhelming majority of their basketball support staff, including assistant coach and general manager Kyle Church, giving the program valuable continuity as preparations begin for the 2026-27 season.
Michigan keeps key pieces in place
Speaking on the “Defend The Block” podcast, Boynton confirmed that several of Michigan’s most important staff members are returning to Ann Arbor.
Among those staying are:
- Assistant coach and general manager Kyle Church
- Assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen
- Strength and conditioning coach Matt Aldred
- Special assistant to the head coach Brandon Gilbert
- Director of analytics Jacob Kohn
For Michigan fans, the news represents another sign that Boynton’s transition has been far smoother than many expected after Dusty May departed for the NBA.
While coaching changes often trigger widespread departures among players and staff, Michigan has managed to avoid the type of instability that can set a program back for years.
Kyle Church staying is a massive victory
Perhaps the biggest development involves Church.
There had been significant speculation surrounding his future after Dusty May accepted the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks. Church had worked alongside May since their days at Louisiana Tech before stops at Florida, Florida Atlantic and eventually Michigan.
Many around college basketball believed Church could follow May once again.
Instead, he chose to remain in Ann Arbor.
Boynton emphasized just how valuable that decision is. (Quotes via the Detroit Free Press)
“Kyle Church, who’s been an assistant and GM with us, obviously plays a critical role being that he handles responsibilities on both sides, both internally and externally. Him sticking around is going to be big for us.”
In today’s college basketball landscape, the general manager role has become every bit as important as recruiting coordinators once were. NIL negotiations, roster construction, transfer portal evaluations and long-term planning all fall under that umbrella.
Keeping someone already familiar with Michigan’s roster and recruiting strategy gives the Wolverines a significant advantage heading into another unpredictable offseason cycle.
Boynton praised several returning staff members
Church wasn’t the only staff member Boynton highlighted.
He had especially high praise for strength coach Matt Aldred.
“Matt Aldred’s elite. I think one of the best in the country by far. He’s innovative, he’s very thoughtful, he’s thorough, he’s always thinking of ways to challenge these guys. So, him being back was a major win because he’s a highly sought-after person in the market.”
Boynton also spoke highly of assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen.
“A high-level basketball thinker, really good talent developer, great recruiter, an all-around good person.”
Analytics director Jacob Kohn also earned recognition for his work behind the scenes, particularly his role in helping Michigan maximize replay challenges during conference play.
Boynton credited Kohn with helping save critical possessions throughout the Big Ten season, another reminder that championships are often influenced by the smallest details.
Michigan adds another assistant coach
Michigan also announced another notable staff move Tuesday.
Director of basketball operations KT Harrell has been promoted to assistant coach.
A former standout player in the SEC, Harrell now moves into a larger on-court coaching role.
Boynton believes Harrell’s relatively young age and playing background will allow him to connect naturally with the current roster.
“He’s been around the game, was the leading scorer in the SEC. It’ll get him a chance to get on the court with our guys, being able to teach and coach them and challenge them. He’s still younger, so he can get out there with them and he can still hoop.”
Michigan previously added former Brown head coach Mike Martin to its staff and is expected to hire at least one more assistant before the season begins.
Why this matters for Michigan
Roster retention grabbed most of the headlines following Dusty May’s departure, and rightfully so.
Keeping 13 of 14 scholarship players was remarkable in today’s transfer portal era.
Yet staff continuity may prove just as valuable.
Relationships matter. Recruiting matters. Player development matters.
The coaches, strength staff and analytics department work with players every day. Keeping those familiar faces around helps preserve the culture Michigan built while allowing Boynton to put his own stamp on the program instead of rebuilding everything from scratch.
With the season opener against Oakland set for Nov. 3 at Crisler Center, the Wolverines now appear to have far more continuity than many expected just a few months ago.
Bottom Line
Mike Boynton continues to check off important boxes during his first offseason as Michigan’s head coach. Retaining the majority of the coaching and support staff, especially general manager Kyle Church, strengthens the Wolverines’ foundation and gives the program much-needed stability. For Michigan fans wondering whether the transition after Dusty May would create long-term turbulence, the early returns continue to paint a very encouraging picture.
