Michigan’s Beilein interviewed for Pistons’ head coaching job

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has made it clear he doesn’t want basketball coach John Beilein to go anywhere else.

But Beilein might be looking to make a move anyway.

Beilein interviewed for the Detroit Pistons’ head coach opening on Thursday, a source close to the situation confirmed to The Detroit News. 

The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.

Beilein's interview with the Pistons was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The news comes weeks after Beilein confirmed talks have begun on contract extension with Michigan.

“Yeah, as a matter of fact we are,” Beilein said during the Big Ten’s spring meetings, about contract extension negotiations. “Warde and I have been busy and so apart, but we’re talking about that right now. So, stay tuned.”

Beilein, 65, signed a two-year contract extension in November 2015, and is under contract through 2021. Michigan pays him $3.37 million annually, which made him the ninth-highest paid coach in college basketball this past season.

During Beilein's 11 seasons at Michigan, he has guided the Wolverines to seven seasons with 20-plus wins, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, two Big Ten regular-season championships, two conference tournament titles, and two trips to the national title game. He's the winningest coach in program history with 248 career victories.

The timing of the news comes after arguably Michigan's best season during Beilein's tenure. The Wolverines set a single-season program record with 33 wins, captured its second straight Big Ten tournament title and reached the national championship game.

Michigan is also set to bring in one of its highest-rated recruiting classes under Beilein next season. The 2018 class — which is highlighted by four-star forward Ignas Brazdeikis and Brandon Johns — ranks No. 11 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The Pistons are searching for a coach — as well as a team president — since firing Stan Van Gundy last month.

MORE COVERAGE:

Pistons part ways with general manager Jeff Bower

Beard: Time is on Pistons' side in coaching, front office searches

Pistons candidate Dwane Casey known for building player relationships

Stefanski's task with Pistons: Get GM, coach in place

'Great opportunity': Pistons hire Ed Stefanski as senior adviser