5 Juwan Howard replacements if basketball coach leaves Michigan ft. Phil Martelli, Howard Eisley and more
After five seasons as the head coach of Michigan, Juwan Howard was fired by the Wolverines after a disappointing season. The team went 8-24 in the 2023-24 season, losing the first round of the Big Ten tournament to Penn State.
Howard had a 87-72 overall record, with an Elite Eight berth in 2020-21 and a Sweet 16 finish in 2021-22.
Here are the top five candidates that can replace the former Michigan star as the new coach of the Wolverines.
#1. Phil Martelli
Phil Martelli is currently one of the top associate head coaches for the Michigan Wolverines and could easily replace Juwan Howard if the team goes that route. He has been with the program since 2019 and has been a head coach for Bishop Kenrick High School and Saint Joseph's University. Martelli holds a 444-328 record as a head coach in college, so he has experience and should dominate in that role.
#2. Saddi Washington
Saddi Washington is another coach who is part of the current Michigan staff as an associate coach for the program. He has been part of the team since 2016. From 2006 to 2016, he was an assistant and associate head coach at Oakland University. He has been successful with a 366-217 record on the collegiate sidelines.
#3. Howard Eisley
Howard Eisley is the third assistant coach on this list for the Michigan Wolverines. He has NBA experience with the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks. In 2019, he joined the Michigan Wolverines and has a 428-421 record between the college and professional ranks.
#4. Bob Huggins
Bob Huggins is the most unlikely coach on this list, as he has massive experience with a 935-414 record throughout 41 seasons. He is known for his expertise on the West Virginia sidelines but was forced to resign during the most recent offseason due to abhorrent behavior. However, he could be looking to return to the coaching world and is the top free agent.
#5. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing is another huge name that the Michigan Wolverines could target if Juwan Howard leaves. He has struggled as a coach in six seasons. He is 75-109 but made the NCAA Tournament once in his six seasons with the Georgetown Hoyas. It is not a great coaching resume, but the name will attract prospects and make the team great if he has an outstanding coaching staff.