On Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019, the former University of Michigan All-Star basketball player, Juwan Howard, was named the next head coach of the Michigan Wolverines NCAA men’s basketball team. Details of Howard’s contractual agreement entail a 5-year deal for $2 million each year, which totals out to $10 million.

The 46-year-old is a Chicago native with a 3-year history as a player at the University of Michigan followed by 19 years in the NBA playing for multiple teams. After his career as a player, he moved into the role of assistant coach for the Miami Heat for 6 seasons.

The Michigan head coaching spot recently became available after John Beilein vacated the position to take over as the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. As seen below, Beilein had a great deal of success serving at the helm of the Wolverine’s men’s basketball squad. The former Michigan student has some big shoes to fill, but Howard seems like the right man for the job.

John Beilein’s Coaching Statistics at the University of Michigan:

Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
2007–08 Michigan 10–22 5–13 T–9th
2008–09 Michigan 21–14 9–9 T–7th NCAA Division I Round of 32
2009–10 Michigan 15–17 7–11 T–7th
2010–11 Michigan 21–14 9–9 T–4th NCAA Division I Round of 32
2011–12 Michigan 24–10 13–5 T–1st NCAA Division I Round of 64
2012–13 Michigan 31–8 12–6 T–4th NCAA Division I Runner-up
2013–14 Michigan 28–9 15–3 1st NCAA Division I Elite Eight
2014–15 Michigan 16–16 8–10 9th
2015–16 Michigan 23–13 10–8 8th NCAA Division I Round of 64
2016–17 Michigan 26–12 10–8 T–5th NCAA Division I Sweet 16
2017–18 Michigan 33–8 13–5 T–4th NCAA Division I Runner-up
2018–19 Michigan 30–7 15–5 3rd NCAA Division I Sweet 16
Michigan: 278–150 (.650) 126–92 (.578)

Howard’s Coaching Career:

Upon completing a long and documented 19-season playing career, which includes two NBA championships as well as an All-Star appearance, Howard entered his fifth year as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat after serving as assistant coach/player development specialist during his first season on staff. The experience led to the current offer, which he graciously accepted as the head coach at the University of Michigan.

He previously took the initiative as the head coach of Miami’s 2016 NBA Summer League basketball club in both Orlando, Florida as well as Las Vegas, Nevada. He also coached for Team Africa in the NBA Africa Game in 2018.

For him, it was a natural evolution after the hardened veteran contributed as a mentor both on and off the court for the Miami Heat in his first three years with the organization, and he was warranted respect throughout the franchise. Howard’s obligations included player development with a concentration specifically in coaching Miami’s big men and providing his services as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Playing Career:

Howard, who was a role player for the Miami Heat’s 2012 and 2013 NBA championship squads under the tutelage of Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra, played in 1,208 regular season games as well as 49 playoff matches throughout his incredible career. His professional career also included an All-Star game selection when he was with the Washington Wizards in the 1995 – 1996 NBA.

He averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 30.3 minutes per game as he made 900 career starts before ending his solid career as a professional basketball player during his time with the Miami Heat in 2013. Howard earned All-NBA Third Team honors one time (1995 – 1996), and he was also named to the All-Rookie Second Team in the 1994 – 1995 NBA season.

The Windy City native was named the Rookie of the Month in February of 1995, Player of the Month for April of 1996, and awarded the NBA’s Community Assist Award in April of 2010.

Juwan Howard’s College Career

Howard balled for 3 seasons at the University of Michigan prior to becoming a first round draft pick (fifth overall selection) by the Washington Bullets during the 1994 NBA Draft. He helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA March Madness Tournament Championship game in both 1992 and 1993.

As an infamous member of the obsessed over “Fab Five,” Howard ended up as one of only five players in the university’s history to score at least 1,500 points and pull in at least 700 rebounds.

Media Statements:

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the University of Michigan’s storied basketball program. I have been very fortunate to be part of a great championship organization in the Miami Heat for the last nine years — three as a player and six as a coach. It was always going to take something incredibly special to for me to leave Miami; however, I know in my heart this is the right place and the right time.

“As a ‘Michigan Man’ I know the place our program has in college basketball and I embrace the chance to build onto that history and lead us to championships both in the Big Ten and national level. We will continue to develop young men on the court, in the classroom and in the community that our fan base will continue to be proud of,” said Howard.

“We have found someone with high integrity, great character and a coach who has unbelievable knowledge of the game of basketball. Juwan has proven himself to be a tremendous leader, a wonderful communicator and a developer of talent. We couldn’t have asked for a better role model for the young men in our program. We are excited to welcome back a member of the family to Ann Arbor,” added Michigan athletic director, Warde Manuel.

Erik Spoelstra said: “Juwan is an absolute star as a person, player and coach. I feel he is more than ready. He is a terrific leader and mentor, which translates very well to the collegiate level. … He will forever be a champion and part of the Heat family.”

“Talk to me nice. Say it is so!!!? My guy deserves this opportunity. This will only be right,” added Dwyane Wade.

After the hiring was made official, Wade tweeted: “Man I’m so pumped!!! Another one!”

LeBron James also tweeted: “Man WHAT!!!!?? Absolutely the right choice and i hope it becomes a done deal ASAP!! One of my favorite people I’ve ever met at the age of 16 and been around since then.”