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The Michigan Wolverines athletic department contracted a third-party to conduct an external review of its flailing men’s basketball program.
The results of said review must not have been positive, as the Wolverines parted ways with head coach and legendary alum Juwan Howard on Friday afternoon.
Howard led his alma mater to a 23-5 record and Elite Eight appearance in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. But he leaves the program with just an 87-72 career record after a dismal 8-24 season.
A report by Brendan Quinn and Katie Strang of The Athletic reveals that Michigan’s struggles extended far beyond the court.
“That’s why a makeshift meeting room was assembled inside Michigan Stadium last week. There, officials from Rankin Climate, an external firm specializing in organizational ‘climate assessments,’ convened to conduct a probe into the culture of the men’s basketball program,” the report states. “Rankin officials asked some athletic department employees about their experiences in the program, Howard’s leadership and support offered by the athletic department. Those interviewed were told that participation was voluntary, according to multiple university employees granted anonymity because they are not permitted to speak about the investigation.
“The review, following claims made by former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson, marked a new flashpoint for a program looking to find a floor in such a precarious fall.”
Juwan Howard Was Recently Involved In Altercation With Michigan Trainer
Sanderson resigned recently after an alleged altercation with Howard. He first joined the Wolverines’ program in 2009 under then-coach John Beilein
His issue with Howard alleged stemmed from an earlier altercation with Jace Howard, a Michigan team captain and head coach’s son.
Sanderson wrote that Jace Howard “was berating” the trainer and caused a “scene” that prompted several players to stop and watch. Sanderson described the scene as “totally out of control…” Sanderson intervened, yelling at Howard from roughly 30 feet away “you’re a student athlete and he is a professional. You don’t talk to a professional like that. That is disrespectful and entitled.”
Sanderson said Juwan Howard came at him, “angry and ready to fight,” repeatedly yelling as players and staff held him back.
“He kept aggressively pursuing me to fight, as the players and staff were doing their best to restrain him. He was out of control; it was an ugly scene. I had no choice but to stand my ground, I didn’t back down. A few of the players and staff got in front of me as well in an effort to keep us separated,” Sanderson wrote. – via The Athletic
It was just the latest in a long list of incidents involving Howard. He’s had to be restrained by players multiple times in and after games. He’s passed blame to players for losses. And he’s gotten into multiple altercations with his assitant coaches.