Juwan Howard returned to Michigan to stay -- and he won't be leaving anytime soon.
Howard has signed a five-year extension that will extend his tenure as head coach of the men's basketball team through the 2025-26 season. Michigan announced the deal shortly before the No. 4-ranked Wolverines tipped off against Seton Hall Tuesday night in Ann Arbor.
It's a commitment Howard has earned. He's led his alma mater to a top-five ranking in each of his three seasons since taking over for John Beilein, including a Big Ten championship and an Elite Eight appearance in 2021. And he's established himself as one of the top recruiters in college basketball.
Howard's first recruiting class ranked first in the Big Ten and 14th in the country, his second ranked first in the Big Ten and third in the country and his third, headlined by his youngest son Jett Howard, ranks first in the Big Ten and sixth in the country, per 247 Sports.
Nevertheless, Howard said he was surprised when Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel came to him recently with ideas of an extension.
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"I'm honored to be regarded in such a way that the University wished to continue a lasting relationship with me," Howard said Tuesday night in an official release. "It was a surprise when Warde approached me, and it didn't take long for us to get on the same page. I'm grateful to him, our great University and my talented young men who sacrifice every day.
"The love I have for the University of Michigan is beyond words."
Howard, 48, originally signed a five-year, $11.2 million deal with Michigan in 2019 that was slated to pay him $2.2 million this season. Terms of his new deal have not been disclosed.
"I couldn't be happier for our student-athletes and fans to know that Juwan will continue to lead Michigan into the future," Manuel said in the release. "His great character is second to none, and he is a wonderful teammate. Juwan's love for this university is evident in all that he does, as is the joy he takes in the accomplishments of his student-athletes."