Michigan Basketball: Insider suggests Juwan Howard could leave after 2023-24

Could Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard move on from after the 2023-24 season? College hoops insider Trilly Donovan thinks it’s possible. 

There are plenty of Michigan basketball fans who are unhappy with head coach Juwan Howard after the Wolverines missed out on the NCAA tournament in 2022-23.

Michigan basketball fans saw two Michigan basketball players selected in the first round of the draft and they were paired with Hunter Dickinson, who also left this offseason for Kansas.

That wasn’t Juwan’s fault. He can’t control the NIL issues that are plaguing Michigan right now, but it does sound like a point of contention between him and Warde Manuel.

In an article about possible departures among Big Ten basketball coaches, Trilly Donovan reported that Howard and Manuel got into an argument over the summer about NIL and that Howard leaving wouldn’t be a huge surprise.

"“After the Wolverines missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015, he dealt with the very public departure of All-American Hunter Dickinson. Then, his battle with Michigan admissions continued. Caleb Love was very publicly denied entry into the school over credit issues, marking the second time in as many years that he couldn’t sign a prized transfer due to academics. In early June, he reportedly had a heated discussion with athletic director Warde Manuel over NIL funding and resource allocation. Add in one son leaving for the NBA, the other almost done with his college career and you’ve got the recipe of a man who is ready to jump ship.”"

People have talked about Juwan Howard being on the hot seat. I don’t believe that and I think he’s done a solid job adding to the roster this offseason.

Howard has one hand tied behind his back but still landed Olivier Nkamhoua who could be an All-Big Ten performer. Nimari Burnett and Tray Jackson were quality additions too.

Donovan hinted that Howard could possibly leave for the NBA and that’s certainly possible. Trilly was right about Caleb Love so I wouldn’t doubt him.

My personal opinion is that Juwan coaches Michigan basketball to the NCAA tournament and sticks around for 2024-25 and beyond. Certainly, I could be wrong, I just don’t see Howard as one of the Big Ten coaches that will be done at their school after this season.

Howard has won a Big Ten title and reached two Sweet 16s. He also has more to achieve.