After the worst season in program history, Michigan basketball is moving on from head coach Juwan Howard. Athletic director Warde Manuel, who hired Howard in 2019 after the departure of John Beilein, announced Friday that Howard "will not return" next season.
Manuel said in a statement that his decision came "after a comprehensive review of the program," which went 8-24 this season and 3-17 in the Big Ten to finish last in the conference for the first time since 1966-67. The Wolverines were 26-40 in the last two seasons under Howard, a star of Michigan's famed Fab Five teams.
"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," said Manuel. "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, 51, underwent a heart procedure in September, which sidelined him for the start of this season. He handed the reins to assistant head coach Phil Martelli in his absence, and the Wolverines never got going upon his return. Their 24 losses and 17 conference losses were both program worsts.
Their season officially ended on Wednesday with a loss to Penn State in the first round of the Big Ten tournament. The university said that "a national search will begin immediately" for the next head coach.