Juwan Howard issues heartfelt statement after dismissal from Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines made a head coaching change with the men’s basketball program on Friday with the dismissal of Juwan Howard after five years in Ann Arbor. There had been radio silence from the Howard camp following his firing, but he broke his silence via U-M’s social media channels on Sunday.
Howard released a heartfelt statement with thanks to those who helped him at Michigan and what he was able to accomplish.
“I want to thank the University, Board of Regents and [athletic director] Warde Manuel for the privilege of coaching Michigan, my university, for these past five years,” Howard said, via Michigan men’s basketball’s X account. “During my tenure as head coach, we shared memorable seasons and achievements, including a Big Ten championship, back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances and being within one game of the Final Four. I was honored to be named AP National Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2021.
“My devotion and dedication to this program and most importantly, to my players and their families, provided a challenge that I welcomed and embraced, which required me to grow and expand my capabilities both personally and professionally. My health challenges during this past season tested my resolve, but true to the form of a Michigan Man, I stood and faced them, with the support of my family, players and staff.
“I want to give a special shout-out to all the players I coached. You guys were and will always be my EVERYTHING! Michigan will always be a significant part of my legacy and I will be a significant part of theirs.
“Michigan Man Forever. Go Blue! Juwan Howard”
The accomplishments that Howard listed were memorable, but the largest factor in why Michigan is in the mix for a new head coach have to do with the last two years. The Wolverines missed the NCAA Tournament last season with Kobe Bufkin, Jett Howard and Hunter Dickinson on the roster – two first-round draft picks and a former All-American center, respectively – and were eliminated in the second round of the NIT. This season, things cratered with an 8-24 finish and 3-17 record in conference play, which was four games worse than the next team in the standings.
“After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach,” Manuel said on Friday. “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.”
Michigan is currently in the midst of what it calls a national coaching search for Howard’s replacement. Candidates are still being determined, but TheWolverine.com’s Chris Balas says the option include Dusty May at Florida Atlantic, but perhaps not program legend John Beilein.
You can read more on the state of the job and the search here.
