Juwan Howard has spent just two seasons at the helm of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball program. But he is already generating buzz as a possible NBA head coaching candidate.
Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN reported Howard first began building a resume for a head coach opening during his stint as an assistant with the Miami Heat. His success at Michigan has apparently convinced executives he could be in high demand this summer:
Despite being in just his second year as Michigan's head coach, Howard has long been viewed as a leading candidate for NBA head-coaching jobs, dating to his time as an assistant with the Miami Heat. Last summer, he put out a statement saying he is not “exploring, seeking or listening” in regard to NBA opportunities, but many NBA executives feel Howard will be in high demand once again this offseason.
Howard guided Michigan to a surprising 20-4 record and No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, which has done nothing to quell the NBA's interest, and several teams are expected to have openings on their bench.
Juwan Howard has been instrumental in maintaining a successful program after longtime Wolverines head coach John Beilein departed to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers, an ill-fated decision.
The former Fab Five member led Michigan to a 19-12 record in his first season on the bench. Howard then helped the Wolverines to a 20-4 record this season. Michigan captured the Big Ten regular-season title and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
It remains to be seen whether Juwan Howard has since changed his stance on coaching in the NBA. But he is expected to garner plenty of interest.
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