Earlier this week, the University of Michigan announced they reached an extension agreement with Juwan Howard.
Howard, who returned to his alma mater as their head coach in May of 2019, agreed to a five-year extension that becomes effective immediately.
“I’m honored to be regarded in such a way that the University wished to continue a lasting relationship with me,” said Howard. “It was a surprise when Warde approached me, and it didn’t take long for us to get on the same page. I’m grateful to him, our great University and my talented young men who sacrifice every day. The love I have for the University of Michigan is beyond words.”
According to the AP, the deal is worth over $16.9 million.
Per a public records request, Howard’s extension nets him $3.25 million the first year of the contract. In the following years, it increases to $3.32 million, $3.38 million, $3.45 million and $3.52 million.
It’s a much-deserved honor for a man who did so much for the program and the university.
Howard was a member of the Fab Five that elevated the university’s basketball program to new heights only two years after the program won its first national championship in 1989.
Together with Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson, the Fab Five became an iconic cultural phenomenon. And while their accomplishments were snatched away after an NCAA investigation, their impact on both the university and the sport is undeniable.
More than two decades later, Howard returned at the helm of the program he helped elevate.
In his first season, the Wolverines went 19-12. The following year the team went 23-5 and won the Big 10 regular-season title. They also earned the top seed in the East during the men’s basketball tournament, eventually losing in the Regional Final to UCLA.
That season, Howard became the first person to earn a No. 1 seed as a player and as a coach in the NCAA Tournament.
For his accomplishments, he was named Associated Press National Coach of the Year.
A year later, Howard was rewarded for his coaching success.
“I couldn’t be happier for our student-athletes and fans to know that Juwan will continue to lead Michigan into the future,” said Michigan Athletic Director Wade Manuel. “His great character is second to none, and he is a wonderful teammate — demonstrated through his commitment to proactive communication and collaboration across the department. Juwan’s love for this university is evident in all that he does, as is the joy he takes in the accomplishments of his student-athletes.”
This season, Howard seeks to lead his team to the national championship game, where he played twice as a player (1992, 1993).
And this time he plans on winning it all.
