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Michigan basketball: Juwan Howard puts to bed rumors of leaving for NBA job

By Bre'ana Singleton

Mar 13, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard signals from the bench in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard signals from the bench in the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard has the eyes of the NBA on him but the former Wolverines great and NBA champion isn’t looking to leave Ann Arbor.

Former Michigan ‘Fab Five’ player and now head coach Juwan Howard has the Wolverines in great position for this year’s NCAA Tournament. As the No. 1 seed in the East region, they’ll face the winner of the Mount St. Mary’s and Texas Southern game happening on Thursday night.

Though they’ve lost three of their last five matchups, the Wolverines finished the regular season 20-4 and Howard has the Wolverines poised to make a run toward the Final Four, even without Isaiah Livers.

Michigan is much improved under Howard in his second year with the program. They finished last season 19-12 and failed to make the tournament. This year, they might win it all. Still, despite his success at the collegiate level, rumors have been swirling that the former NBA assistant coach could bolt his alma mater for an NBA head coaching job.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard addresses the NBA rumors

Howard addressed the speculation and NBA interest on Thursday afternoon while appearing on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby, Howard spoke about his experiences the past two seasons in Ann Arbor and his plans for the future.

“I’m in Ann Arbor to stay, baby,” said Howard. “I love Michigan, I love my job and I’m enjoying it and this experience. I’m also looking forward to growing each and every year and developing these young men to become the best versions of themselves as student-athletes.”

Howard coached for six seasons with the Miami Heat before shifting over into collegiate basketball. It doesn’t look like he has any plans to return to the majors any time soon.

“The NBA, it’s a beautiful game. They have great coaches there, amazing, talented players, a beautiful brand. But I enjoyed that experience for 25 years, 19 as a player and six as a coach. I’m going to stay and keep growing with Michigan. Go Blue.”

The Wolverines will have their first tournament game on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on CBS when they take on the winner of Texas Southern and Mount St. Mary’s.

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