Juwan Howard to transition back to assistant coach, Phil Martelli remains interim head coach

Juwan Howard is another step closer to a return to coaching. Michigan announced he’s starting a transition back to an assistant coach role.

Phil Martelli will remain in his current position as interim head coach, but Howard is set to at least get back to being an assistant coach as he ramps up his return. To make room for Howard on the bench, Colin Anscheutz will return to his off-court duties. He is listed as a special assistant to the head coach and program.

Howard underwent heart surgery over in September and he has been working his way back ever since. At the time of the operation, the university said he could return to full strength in six to 12 weeks.

Dr. Himanshu Patel successfully resected an aortic aneurysm and repaired Howard’s aortic valve, according to a release from Michigan.

“I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health,” Howard said in a statement. “My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us. Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. (Himanshu) Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us.”

Last week, Howard returned to the bench as an observer, but not in an official coaching capacity. However, that didn’t stop him from getting ejected against Texas Tech. Michigan is off to a 4-3 start to the season, including last week’s loss to Texas Tech in the Battle 4 Atlantis. The Wolverines will be back in action Dec. 2 against Oregon before their first Big Ten game of the year against Indiana Dec. 5 at the Crisler Center.

Juwan Howard is entering his fifth season as the head coach at Michigan. The Wolverines are coming off of an 18-16 season.

Howard has had a successful run overall, with his best year at Michigan coming in 2020-21 when the Wolverines finished 23-5 and advanced to the Elite 8.

Prior to getting into coaching, Howard starred at Michigan and had an excellent NBA career. He was a member of the Fab Five, before being drafted No. 5 overall in the 1994 NBA draft. He spent 19 seasons in the NBA.

On3’s Matt Connolly contributed to this report.