Michigan Basketball: Could there be a coach Beilein at UM Forever?

Michigan basketball coach John Beilein has been with the Wolverines since 2007 and has a contact extended to 2023. When he finally decides to retire, who will take his place?

Michigan basketball head coach John Beilein has had the kind of success that all college coaches desire. Twice making it to the national championship, twice Big Ten Tournament champs, and twice the Big Ten regular season champs.

Beilein’s overall head coach record is 754-424, and his record in the NCAA tournament is 26-12. At Michigan, his record – 278-149 –  has made him the winningest head coach in program history.

As we all know, all great things must come to an end eventually. John’s health is always a factor as is his age. At 66 and the recipient of a double bypass surgery last fall, the signs of retirement are all there. If it weren’t for the contract extension to 2023, you have to wonder how much the famous coach has left in the tank.

Although, a part of the contract extension stipulates as long as coach Beilein gives the team “reasonable advance written notice” before leaving he will not owe any money.

What that means is he can leave anytime, any year, and Michigan must be ready for his departure.

Who Could Replace Coach Beilein?

When Beilein was ejected from the Penn State game, assistant coach Saddi Washington took over and tried to minimize the damage in the loss at Happy Valley. Michigan basketball lost the game 69-75; however, coach Washington took the team from a 13 point half time deficit to a 6 point game at the final buzzer, outscoring the Nittany Lions 42-35 in the second half.

Is coach Washington going to be the one to replace John Beilein? probably not, this is his third season as an assistant at Michigan and will likely leave to take on a head coaching position at another program sometime in the near future.

With the success Michigan has had, it can be expected the assistant position is a revolving door of coaches.

Coach Beilein Forever

In case you missed it, coaching runs in the Beilein family and it looks like John’s son Patrick Beilein is moving up in the coaching world.

College basketball insider Jon Rothstein announced on Twitter this morning that Niagara University is finalizing negotiations with Patrick to become their new head basketball coach.

"“LeMoyne’s Patrick Beilein is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Niagara. Son of Michigan head coach John Beilein. Official announcement expected soon.”"

Currently, the head coach at LeMoyne University, a Division II college, Patrick led the Dolphins to the 2018 NE-10 tournament and were crowned champions. Additionally, he was named NE-10 Coach of the Year the past two years.

Prior to LeMoyne, coach Patrick Beilein was an assistant for the Utah Jazz, head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan, Director of Operations at Bradley, an assistant at Dartmouth, and he began his career at Michigan as a graduate assistant from 2008-2010.

The move to Niagara brings Patrick to Division I and one step closer to following in his father’s footsteps.