Juwan Howard releases statement after departure from Michigan

Juwan Howard has released his first statement since his departure from Michigan. The Wolverines announced their decision to part ways with Howard earlier this week after five seasons as the head coach at his alma mater.

Howard released a lengthy statement on social media after leaving the program. He had an 87-72 record at Michigan, but went 26-40 over the last two seasons – including 8-24 in 2023-24.

That led the university to make a change, and Howard looked back on his time at the helm.

Thank you, Coach Howard 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/POingwtrJD

— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 17, 2024

“During my tenure as head coach, we shared memorable seasons and achievements, including a Big Ten championship, back to back Sweet Sixteen appearances and being within one game of the Final Four,” Howard wrote. “I was honored to be named AP National Coach-of-the-Year and the Big Ten Coach-of-[the]-Year in 2021.

“My devotion and dedication to this program and most importantly, to my players and their family, provided a challenge that I welcomed and embraced, which required me to grow and expand my capabilities both personally and professionally.”

A beloved piece of the “Fab Five,” Howard returned to Michigan in 2019 to replace John Beilein as head coach. That came after six seasons as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Miami Heat, making it Howard’s first college coaching job.

After his first season as Michigan head coach was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolverines put together a huge year in 2020-21. They went 23-5, including 13-5 in Big Ten play, to win the conference championship and make it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. While the 2021-22 regular season didn’t necessarily go as planned with a 19-15 overall record and 11-9 conference mark, Michigan still made it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Things got challenging on multiple fronts toward the end of Juwan Howard’s tenure, though. He notably underwent heart surgery over the offseason and didn’t take back full-time head coaching duties until December. He noted that in his statement, crediting others within the program for helping keep things going in his absence.

“My health challenges during this past season tested my resolve, but true to the form of a Michigan Man, I stood and faced them, with the support of my family, players and staff,” Howard wrote. “I want to give a special shout out to All players I coached… you guys were and will always be my EVERYTHING!

“Michigan will always be a significant part of my legacy and I will be a significant part of theirs. Michigan Man Forever.”