Juwan Howard ‘likely’ back for Michigan basketball next season

There isn’t any official word on the status of Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard, but the tea leaves continue to suggest that he’ll be back coaching the Wolverines for the 2024-25 season.

Just last week, known Michigan Insider John U. Bacon posted on X that Howard’s return was, “more likely than not.” Bacon is very plugged in and on Thursday, Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, reported the same thing.

Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard is “likely” to return

There is one game left in the regular season for Michigan basketball, plus the Big Ten tournament. But with a league record of 3-16 and a mark of 8-22 overall, the season likely ends early next week. That will leave Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel with a decision to make, one not dissimilar to the one he made in 202 about Jim Harbaugh.

Plenty of Michigan fans wanted Harbaugh fired. Manuel resisted and signed Harbaugh to a contract extension. It proved to be a brilliant move. Michigan got past the Ohio State barrier, won the Big Ten three times, and just captured its first outright national championship since 1948. You can see why Manuel would want to give Howard another shot, just like he did with Harbaugh.

Juwan has had some success

It’s not like Juwan hasn’t had success with Michigan basketball. The Wolverines won the Big Ten championship in 2021. They would have made the NCAA tournament in 2020 if it wasn’t canceled. He’s also coached the Wolverines to the Sweet 16 twice.

Yet, roster construction has been an issue. With Jon Sanderson, the long-time strength and conditioning coach resigning, it’s fair to question the culture too, especially since the players don’t seem to enjoy playing together.

There are plenty of things that need to be fixed, but that’s chief among them. If Webb and Bacon are correct and Howard is back, the coaching staff needs a reset. The entire program does and while running it back with Juwan Howard seems risky, from Warde’s perspective, it’s understandable.

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