The Michigan Wolverines basketball program has had quite the fall from grace. After being a perennial contender in the Big Ten, the program had one of its worst seasons ever. They went 8-24 overall with a pitiful 3-17 record in the conference. Many fans have been upset with the job head coach Juwan Howard is doing. There have been many calls throughout this season for the program to fire the former Wolverines star. On Friday, the school decided it was time to move on.
Michigan Wolverines Move On From Juwan Howard
Michigan announces that head coach Juwan Howard will not return next season.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 15, 2024
This isn’t surprising considering the season they had. It would be difficult for the Michigan Wolverines athletic department to justify keeping Juwan Howard after an 8-24 season. Athletic Director Warde Manuel had this to say in a statement.
“After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach. 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.”
Manuel recognized that Juwan Howard is an important part of the team’s history, but it is time to move on from him as head coach.
Who Should The Michigan Wolverines Target?
There isn’t an obvious answer for the Michigan Wolverines to target as their next head coach. However, the program has a rich history, and it is an attractive job for any candidate. Florida Atlantic’s Dusty May has already gotten interest from many programs, including Ohio State. Jerome Tang got Kansas State to the Elite Eight, but there have been rumblings of friction between him and the front office. Michigan could pry him away.
Brian Dutcher, the San Diego State head coach, has the strongest ties to Michigan. He was an assistant under Steve Fisher in the 90s in Ann Arbor. It would be a great homecoming for him. Whoever the Michigan Wolverines decide to hire, it will be difficult to be worse than this year. This program needs a reset, and they will get it with a new head coach.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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