Juwan Howard opens up on his journey to returning as Michigan's head coach

On Saturday, Juwan Howard made his return as Michigan’s head coach. The Wolverines celebrated his return with an 83-66 win over Eastern Michigan.

It’s been a grueling path back to the sidelines for Howard. The 50-year-old head coach underwent a heart procedure in September, when doctors successfully resected an aortic aneurysm and repaired Howard’s aortic valve. After Michigan’s win on Saturday, Howard opened up on his road to recovery.

“It’s truly a blessing,” Howard said. “I have to thank God first, also giving a big, big shout-out to University of Michigan Medical, my doctors, Dr. Patel and his crew, the nurses … there have been so many beautiful nurses that have worked with me during my recovery.

“I’d also like to thank my wife [Jenine] — that’s the best nurse I have. And I didn’t know that she went to medical school, but she was with me from the first day, all day. Having my wife with me … such a beautiful moment having her support.”

Assistant coach Phil Martelli served as the program’s interim head coach during Howard’s absence. While under Martelli, Michigan went 5-5 overall (1-1 in the Big Ten) following a 3-0 start. Howard will aim to place the Wolverines back on the fast track to success.

Howard boasts an 80-48 record while serving as the Michigan head coach. The 2020-21 campaign was his best yet. The team finished with a 23-5 record and reached the Elite Eight. With his life in the balance, Howard was motivated by basketball.

Juwan Howard reveals his motivation to return

“I remember the times when I was sitting in my hospital room and just thinking, ‘would I ever have that opportunity ever again?’” Howard recalled. “You just never know. I had so many people supporting me, and I never second guessed that. But that’s what got me through the process. It really did.

“Being away, I got a chance to reflect late at night. You’re talking 3, 4, 5 in the morning, when you guys are probably asleep and I’m awake and I’m listening to the heart monitor beeping, and there are medical professionals coming in my room and they’re doing their job taking vital signs. Now it’s taking me some time to get back to sleep, but one of the things I think about is basketball. It never leaves my mind.”

Howard will have plenty of opportunities to put his thoughts on the hardwood this season. On Tuesday, Michigan will square off against Florida at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.