Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard signs contract extension
Athletic director Warde Manuel has taken steps to ensure Juwan Howard will be around for a long time. The Michigan basketball coach signed a five-year extension Nov. 16 that will run though the 2025-26 season.
Howard’s extension with revised financial terms becomes effective immediately.
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“I couldn’t be happier for our student-athletes and fans to know that Juwan will continue to lead Michigan into the future,” Manuel said in a statement. “His great character is second to none, and he is a wonderful teammate —demonstrated through his commitment to proactive communication and collaboration across the department.
“Juwan’s love for this university is evident in all that he does, as is the joy he takes in the accomplishments of his student-athletes.”
Howard guided the Wolverines to a 23-5 record and a 14-3 Big Ten mark last season, resulting in the program’s 15th conference regular-season title. U-M earned its second No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and on Selection Sunday, the No. 1 seed in the NCAA East Region. That was the program’s third No. 1 seed in history, joining the 1985 and 1993 teams.
Howard also became the first person to earn a No. 1 seed as a player and as a coach in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan advanced to its fourth straight Sweet 16 after wins over Texas Southern and LSU. A win over Florida State gave U-M its fourth Elite Eight appearance in the last eight tournaments before a loss to UCLA knocked th Wolverines from the tournament.
Howard’s 2021-22 is off to a 2-0 start and ranked fourth nationally. Many believe the Wolverines are one of the favorites for a national title.
“I’m honored to be regarded in such a way that the University wished to continue a lasting relationship with me,” Howard said. It was a surprise when Warde approached me, and it didn’t take long for us to get on the same page.
“I’m grateful to him, our great university and my talented young men who sacrifice every day. The love I have for the University of Michigan is beyond words.”
Howard was named the Associated Press National Coach of the Year last year, the Wolverines’ second recipient and first since Bill Frieder in 1985. The coach also was the first Big Ten coach to be recognized with the award since 2005 (Bruce Weber, Illinois).
He also won the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Henry Iba Award and National Coach of the Year by The Athletic and the Sporting News.
