After ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Juwan Howard’s name is “gaining traction” in NBA front offices, Howard quickly released a statement to quell any rumors.
“There was a report of my name as a potential candidate for NBA coaching opportunities,” Howard said. “While I am flattered, and know it will more than likely happen again, I am not exploring, seeking or listening.
“I am the head coach at the University of Michigan! I am blessed to be working at the greatest university in the world. I am blessed to be guiding a group of wonderful young men. We have goals, dreams & championships to win!
“This is where my focus is. GO BLUE!”
Howard was hired by Michigan last summer from the Miami Heat, but he also interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs in the NBA during last year’s offseason. He earned $2 million in his first year as head coach which slotted him 58th nationally according to USA Today’s Coaching Salary Database.
Michigan went 19-12 (10-10 Big Ten) in his first year as head coach and landed a top-15 recruiting class that included his son, Jace.
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BlueFront
I expect this to be a yearly thing, as long as Howard has sustained success at UM. He was a hot candidate before coming to UM and many view NBA coaching jobs as more prestigious than college jobs.
bacon141
Yep. He has coached in college for one year and spent 6 years as an NBA assistant after 20 years of playing in the NBA. He will be an NBA coaching candidate for decades as long as he’s somewhat successful at Michigan. Izzo still gets thrown about every now and then even though I think he’d be a disaster as an NBA coach.
eddieben
In the back of my mind I’ve often wondered if the reason Juwan hasn’t landed a big fish is because of how easy it is for other coaches To say that Juwan will be back in the NBA the first chance he gets.
umhoops
To be fair, the “big fish” would be in the NBA at the exact same time. It isn’t like they are making 2+ year plans.
swish109
This is a yearly thing with Harbaugh too
It at least makes sense because of the state of collegiate athletics but leaving after 3/4 of a season would be pretty scummy