Juwan Howard Fired as Michigan MCBB HC After 5 Seasons; Went 8-24 in 2023-24

The Michigan Wolverines will have a new men's basketball head coach in the 2024-25 season.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manual announced Friday that head coach Juwan Howard would not be returning.

"After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men's basketball coach," Manuel said in a release. "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 compiled an overall record of 87-72 at Michigan, but an 8-24 season in 2023-24 ended his tenure with his alma mater.

This news comes after the revelation of a complaint filed against Howard by former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson that stated that Howard had created "a culture of fear" within the program, per Brendan Quinn and Katie Strang of The Athletic.

Howard and Sanderson notably had an altercation in the training room prior to a practice Dec. 7, according to multiple reports. Sanderson would not work with the team again prior to his resignation on March 1, per Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.

Howard was also suspended in 2022 for an altercation involving Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard. That resulted in a zero-tolerance policy being placed in Howard's contract.

Howard played three seasons at Michigan from 1991-1994, averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while helping lead the team to three NCAA tournament appearances and two national championship appearances. He went on to have a 19-year NBA career that featured one All-Star selection and two NBA championships.

He was named the Wolverines head coach ahead of the 2019-20 season and did experience some success. The Wolverines reached the NCAA tournament in 2020-2021 and 2021-22, advancing to the Elite Eight and Sweet 16 in the respective tournaments.

Michigan took a step back in 2022-23 before the wheels fell off this season. The Wolverines went 3-17 in conference play and lost their last nine games of the season, including a 66-57 loss to Penn State in the Big Ten tournament.

Michigan stated that it would begin a national search for its next head coach immediately.