Ann Arbor, Michigan – The University of Michigan made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that Juwan Howard, the head coach of the men’s basketball team, would be departing from his role. This decision marked the end of Howard’s five-season tenure with the Wolverines, where he had taken on the leadership position following an illustrious career as a player.
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel stated that after conducting a thorough evaluation of the program, it was determined that Howard would not be returning as the head coach. While acknowledging Howard’s impact and significance to the Wolverines basketball program, Manuel expressed concerns about the team’s performance not meeting expectations and failing to show positive trends under Howard’s guidance.
During the 2023-24 season, Michigan struggled with an 8-24 record, a stark contrast to their above .500 finishes in Howard’s initial four years at the helm. Despite securing two NCAA tournament appearances and securing an overall record of 87-72 during Howard’s tenure, the team’s performance faltered in his final season, culminating in nine consecutive losses.
Off the court, the season was marked by turbulence when former strength coach Jon Sanderson departed from the program following a contentious incident involving Howard. The situation stemmed from an altercation between Howard’s son, Jace Howard, and a team trainer, leading to a subsequent confrontation between Sanderson and Howard.
Howard, who missed the first 10 games of the season due to heart surgery, had returned to coach the team on December 16 after Phil Martelli served as the interim coach. His departure from the program comes after a storied career as both a player in the NBA and as a coach, culminating in his return to Michigan to lead the basketball program.
As Michigan begins the search for a new head coach to lead the men’s basketball team, the void left by Howard’s departure marks a significant transition for the Wolverines as they look to navigate the challenges ahead and reshape their path towards success in the competitive realm of college basketball.
