Michigan Basketball: The latest on Wolverines search for head coach

It’s still very early in the process to find the next Michigan basketball coach, but after a couple of days, here’s a look at some of the rumors swirling.

When it comes to difficult jobs, there can’t be many that are as hard as having to replace John Beilein as the head coach of Michigan basketball.

Beilein became a legend as the head man of Michigan basketball, winning more games than any coach in program history and twice leading the Wolverines to the national championship game. In 12 years, UM made the NCAA tournament nine times, including five trips to the Sweet 16.

Beilein also had his own style, both when it came to coaching the game and recruiting. Replacing him won’t be easy and that task has fallen to athletic director Warde Manuel, who will be making his first major hire at Michigan.

Certainly, there are of a lot of things to consider and honestly, Beilein didn’t do Michigan any favors with the late timing of his departure. Nate Oats is one candidate that would have been considered and likely would be open to the job, but after leaving Buffalo for Alabama just weeks ago, it’s not an option.

Fred Hoiberg may have been another candidate but he is now at Nebraska. While it may leave the door more open for NBA guys like Brad Stevens and Billy Donovan, the chances of Michigan basketball getting either don’t seem too high. The most likely candidate from the NBA could be Juwan Howard.

At any rate, the rumor mill is working overtime with the coaching search off and running, and here is a look at some of the early rumblings, as well as what to make of them.