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WATCH: Juwan Howard answers questions about his future after Michigan loss to Penn State

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•03/13/24•

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Juwan Howard Howard Eisley
(Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Michigan Wolverines basketball head coach Juwan Howard met with the media following a 66-57 season-ending loss to Penn State Wednesday night at the Big Ten Tournament in Minneapolis. Watch video of Howard and his players in the player at the top of the screen or on our YouTube channel.

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Howard was questioned about his future during the press conference. He said he hasn’t had conversations with Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel about the program’s outlook moving forward.

“We just played the game. There are a lot of emotions right now at this moment for players and coaches,” Howard said. “We did not want to lose this game tonight, but it so happens that’s what happened.

“We’ll go back home and sit down and meet, me and players. Then I’m sure the athletic department will want to sit down and talk. I’m looking forward to having those type of conversations.”

Howard was asked to make his ‘pitch’ for keeping his job for a sixth season at Michigan.

“Well, I say this out of respect — I didn’t know I was being interviewed at this time,” Howard remarked. “When you say the word ‘pitch’ because then that means I of course have to be able to pitch what you had touched on.

“At this time, man, we lost a tough game. This is a heart breaker for me and my entire staff, as well as players. So it’s going to be tough to sleep tonight for all of us.”

There will be choices made by the athletic department, and the Michigan staff will do the same. The transfer portal opens March 18, and U-M has several roster spots up for grabs.

“There are going to be a lot of decisions made when the season ends,” Howard said. “Obviously, the season just ended. We’ll regroup tomorrow, and we will sit down and talk as a staff on our needs, our wants. At the same time, we’re going to do a great job — I trust we will do a great job in executing that plan.”

Howard underwent open heart surgery Sept. 15 and has continued to progress as Michigan’s season was going along, after missing time early on.

“Health-wise, just two weeks ago I started to turn the corner and started to feel a lot better,” Howard said. “My mobility, getting out of bed improved. Sleep improved. My conditioning level as I was going through — and I still go through rehab three days a week — has improved. My health is truly improving day in and day out. I look forward to coaching next year.”

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