Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard underwent a successful heart procedure Friday, the university announced.
Dr. Himanshu Patel, who performed the operation at University of Michigan Health, said Howard is expected to fully recover in six to 12 weeks and could return to the program in four to six weeks.
It was discovered that Howard, 50, needed the operation during a routine medical check earlier this offseason. The procedure successfully removed an aortic aneurysm -- a balloon-like bulge in the aorta that can dissect or rupture -- and repaired an aortic valve.
Howard was also overseen by Dr. Kim Eagle and Stanley Chetcuti, both of whom operated on former Michigan basketball coach John Beilein when he underwent heart surgery in 2018, also at University of Michigan Health.
In a statement, Howard thanked all three doctors for their "world-class care" and said they "performed like champions throughout this process."
"I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us," he said.
Associate head coach Phil Martelli will serve as Michigan's interim head coach during Howard's absence. The Wolverines open the season at home against UNC Asheville on Nov. 7.