NEWSLETTER
University of Michigan’s Director of Athletics announced on Friday that head basketball coach Juwan Howard will not return to the program.
“After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach,” Director of Athletics Warde Manuel said in a statement. “Juwan is among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction. I am thankful for Juwan’s dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan.”
Juwan Howard’s Run at Michigan
The decision comes after a last-place finish in the Big Ten for Michigan. They finished 8-24 on the season and went just 3-17 in conference play. Those eight wins marked the program’s fewest in a season since 1981-82 when they went 7-20.
All things considered, Michigan struggled to live up to its pedigree during Howard’s run as head coach. While he walks away with an 87-72 record overall, the team only cracked the 20-win threshold in one of his five seasons. Howard also made the NCAA Tournament just twice, with the longest run being to the Elite Eight during the 2020-21 season.
Before Howard – a famous Michigan alum and 19-year NBA veteran – took control, the team made eight of nine NCAA Tournaments. Coach John Beilein only finished three of his 12 seasons with less than 20 wins.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Juwan Howard will receive a $3 million buyout. The question now is what comes next for the No. 5 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. He’s been rumored to draw interest from NBA teams in the past, so could he find his way on a pro coaching staff sooner than later? If not, would he be willing to take on another college head coaching opportunity – potentially at a smaller school?
As for Michigan, they’ll now have one of the most highly coveted jobs in college basketball. Not only is it a program with long-standing success, but the Big Ten Conference remains one of the best in the sport.
