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Juwan Howard addresses rumors he’d leave Michigan for NBA job

ByJoseph Birdsall|
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 01: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines on the sidelines in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 01: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines on the sidelines in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 01, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard quickly put rumors that he’d leave Michigan for the NBA to bed, reaffirming his commitment to the university.

Michigan head basketball coach Juwan Howard squashed rumors that he might leave the program for a job in the NBA, saying he is “not exploring, seeking or listening” to any other offers and reaffirming his commitment to the Wolverines for the long-term.

A report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday morning named Howard as a candidate gaining traction in NBA front offices.

Howard led Michigan to a 19-12 record in his first year, going 10-10 in conference play. With the Wolverines expected to be competitive in the Big Ten once again, Howard will be a crucial part of keeping the team relevant. Isaiah Livers and Zavier Simpson are gone and Howard’s recruiting will be critical to bringing in new talent.

Juwan Howard says thanks but no thanks to NBA interest

Howard signed a five-year contract with the school in 2019, replacing longtime head coach John Beilein, who left for the Cleveland Cavaliers but resigned during the season after putting his foot in his mouth and never adapting to the NBA.

Howard played at Michigan for three years in the early ’90s as a member of the Fab Five before entering the NBA and returned to his alma later after spending time as an NBA assistant coach. With the personal connection of having played for the Wolverines, it may be difficult for Howard to talk himself into leaving for a better opportunity in the NBA.

While rumors swirled on Sunday regarding his potential departure, Howard made his feelings abundantly clear regarding his career trajectory, and Michigan fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the Wolverine legend remains a part of the program’s future.

Howard and the Wolverines have not received their schedule for the upcoming season, and the COVID-19 pandemic could potentially delay the start of the year if conditions continue to worsen, just as it did with the college football season. However, the head coach will be around for the near future regardless.

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