Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard undergoes heart surgery

The Wolverines will be without head coach Juwan Howard for an extended period of time, as they gear up for the upcoming season.

The Michigan basketball program announced that Howard had a heart procedure done on Friday at the University of Michigan Health Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Dr. Himanshu Patel resected an aortic aneurysm and repaired Howard’s aortic valve.

Howard's condition was discovered during a routine medical check and surgery was "scheduled as soon as possible to allow him to return completely for the upcoming 2023-24 season," according to the program's release.

Howard, 50, is expected to fully recover in six to 12 weeks and could return to the program in four to six weeks. Michigan will host Northwood in an exhibition on Nov. 3 before opening the regular season on Nov. 7 against UNC Asheville at Crisler Center.

"I feel so grateful and blessed that this surgery was performed at University of Michigan Health," Howard said in a statement. "My wife, Jenine, and our family appreciate the world-class care that has been provided to us.

"Dr. (Kim) Eagle, Dr. Patel, Dr. (Stanley) Chetcuti, and all of the staff at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center are so talented and performed like champions throughout this process. I am going to work very hard in my rehabilitation to be stronger than ever by the time our upcoming season is upon us."

Phil Martelli will serve as the interim head coach during Howard’s recovery, a role he also filled during Howard’s five-game suspension two seasons ago. Jay Smith, the team’s director of player personnel and development, will be elevated as the third assistant coach, joining Saddi Washington and Howard Eisley, while Howard is out.

Howard is entering his fifth season as Michigan's coach. His predecessor, John Beilein, had heart surgery in August 2018, before what turned out to be his 12th and final season with the Wolverines.

"We are extremely grateful Juwan's proactive procedure was a success and that he is resting comfortably," athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. "We will continue to support Juwan, Jenine and his family as well as the program throughout his absence. All of us at the athletic department have Juwan in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to Juwan's return when he feels that he has fully recovered."

jhawkins@detroitnews.com

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