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The University of Michigan announced the firing of men's basketball head coach and former player Juwan Howard on Friday (March 15).
"After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men's basketball coach," said Michigan Director of Athletics Manuel in a statement shared on the athletic department's official website. "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."
Howard went 87-72 (49-48 Big Ten) during five seasons at Michigan, which included a Big Ten regular-season championship and Elite Eight appearance in 2021. The Wolverines have, however, had a worse record in each season since, which included an 8-24 overall (3-17 Big Ten) record in 2023-24, ranking last in the conference.
Howard was a member of Michigan's famed 'Fab Five' 1991 recruiting class, which reached the finals of the NCAA tournament in 1992 and 1993 before a 19-year NBA playing career. The two-time NBA champion began his coaching career as an assistant for the Miami Heat -- after spending the final three seasons of his playing career in a reserve player role for the team -- before being hired by his alma mater in 2019.