Amid Friday’s firing of men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard at the University of Michigan, athletic director Warde Manuel has instructed an independent organization to investigate the culture of the program under Howard’s watch, according to The Athletic. Through his legal council, former Michigan strength coach Jon Sanderson wrote in an email to Manuel that Howard forced a “culture of fear” and “concern for retaliation” and thus limited complaints and other issues during his tenure.
Sanderson was hired by Illinois this week in a consulting role, per The Michigan Insider. Sanderson resigned at Michigan earlier this month after an incident involving Howard. Neither Sanderson, Howard nor Michigan have offered details about the apparent confrontation, but a previous report from The Athletic recounted the strength coach’s HR complaint describing the events, which occurred in early December.
“There is a culture of fear within the MBB program and concern for retaliation by Coach Howard that has prevented staff from coming forward earlier, but now it is time to address that abhorrent culture,” Sanderson’s attorney wrote in an email to Manuel, per The Athletic.
Howard, a former Michigan star and “Fab Five” member before a standout NBA career, compiled an 82-67 record and made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his stint as his alma mater’s head coach, and after a disastrous campaign that saw the Wolverines post the second-lowest win percentage in school history (.250), he was fired.
RELATED: Five traits Michigan must find in its next head coach
A Michigan spokesperson said Friday that the program will conduct a “national search” for its new leader.
“After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men’s basketball coach,” Manuel said in a press release. “Juwan is among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction.
“I am thankful for Juwan’s dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan.”
50% off annual VIP membership! Get the latest football and recruiting scoop on your favorite college team today.
Howard was reportedly under a zero tolerance stipulation last season by the university for his role in a postgame brawl during the 2022-23 season against Wisconsin. Howard went after Wisconsin coach Greg Gard in the handshake line and even threw a punch. Howard was suspended for his role in the altercation and apologized in the aftermath.
The Michigan Insider’s Alejandro Zuniga contributed to this report.
