The University of Michigan opted to make a change to its men’s basketball program on Friday, parting ways with head coach Juwan Howard after five seasons.
Athletic director Warde Manual called Howard “among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program” in a parting statement. However, the statement also said that the program was not living up to expectations and “not trending in the right direction.”
Following the news, Howard issued a statement on Sunday thanking the school and numerous people involved, including Manual. He cited the program’s success over his five seasons at the helm while showing appreciation for his family, Wolverines players and the staff amid health challenges throughout the 2023-24 season.
Thank you, Coach Howard 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/POingwtrJD
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 17, 2024
Howard, who also played three seasons at Michigan from 1991-92 through 1993-94, is unquestionably a “Michigan man forever,” as he said.
He took over as the program’s head coach ahead of the 2019-20 season and led them to a 1912 record. Howard’s best year came in 2020-21, as the team went 23–5 and was ranked as high as No. 2 in the country.
That year, Michigan was the regular season champion and advanced to the NCAA tournament, losing to UCLA in the Elite Eight.
Michigan made the tournament twice under Howard’s watch, also going dancing in 2022 before bowing out in the Sweet 16 with a 63–55 loss to Villanova. Howard coached 159 games at Michigan, finishing with an 87–72 record.
