[Neil039]

I have always liked Howard, I hope he rocks it as Michigan's coach. Love this hire!

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26802134/howard-returns-michigan-new-hoops-coach

Miami Heat assistant and former Michigan star Juwan Howard has been named the new head coach of the Wolverines, the university announced Wednesday.

Howard received a five-year deal, starting at $2 million annually, Michigan said.

He replaces John Beilein, who left Michigan last week to become the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Beilein was with the Wolverines for 12 seasons, leading them to two national championship games.

"As a 'Michigan Man' I know the place our program has in college basketball and I embrace the chance to build onto that history and lead us to championships both in the Big Ten and national level," Howard said in a statement. "We will continue to develop young men on the court, in the classroom and in the community that our fan base will continue to be proud of."

Howard met with Michigan officials earlier this week, and became the front-runner once Providence's Ed Cooley withdrew from consideration and announced he was returning to the Friars.

Howard, 46, was a member of Michigan's Fab Five recruiting class in 1991, along with Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson. During Howard's three seasons in Ann Arbor, he helped lead the Wolverines to two national championship games and an Elite Eight appearance. He averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds during his Michigan career.

Juwan Howard joins list of stars who returned to coach team

Cooley stays with Friars after meeting with U-M
The school later removed the Fab Five's Final Four banners from Crisler Arena as part of self-imposed sanctions that stemmed from one of the NCAA's largest financial scandals.

"We have found someone with high integrity, great character and a coach who has unbelievable knowledge of the game of basketball," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. "Juwan has proven himself to be a tremendous leader, a wonderful communicator and a developer of talent. We couldn't have asked for a better role model for the young men in our program. We are excited to welcome back a member of the family to Ann Arbor."

After Michigan, Howard played for 19 seasons in the NBA, spending time with eight franchises. He won two NBA championships with the Heat, in 2012 and '13, and earned NBA All-Star honors in 1996.

Since retiring in 2013, Howard has been an assistant coach with the Heat under Erik Spoelstra. He interviewed for multiple NBA openings this spring, including those of the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers.

"It was always going to take something incredibly special to for me to leave Miami; however, I know in my heart this is the right place and the right time," Howard said.

Added Spoelstra: "Juwan is an absolute star as a person, player and coach. I feel he is more than ready. He is a terrific leader and mentor, which translates very well to the collegiate level. ... He will forever be a champion and part of the Heat family”.