'Part of my legacy': Juwan Howard thanks Michigan, former players

Former Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, who was fired on Friday after five seasons at the helm, thanked the university and others in a parting message on Sunday.

In a statement posted on the program’s social media accounts, Howard addressed his tenure and expressed his gratitude for getting the opportunity to lead his alma mater.

"I want to thank the University, Board of Regents and AD Warde Manuel for the privilege of coaching Michigan, my university, for these past five years," Howard said.

"During my tenure as head coach, we shared memorable seasons and achievements, including a Big Ten championship, back to back Sweet Sixteen appearances and being within one game of the Final Four. I was honored to be named AP National Coach-of-the-Year and Big Ten Coach-of-the-Year in 2021.

"My devotion and dedication to this program and most importantly, to my players and their families, provided a challenge that I welcomed and embraced, which required me to grow and expand my capabilities both personally and professionally."

Howard finished with an 82-67 record and a 48-47 mark in Big Ten play at Michigan. The best season of his tenure came in Year 2, when the Wolverines won the Big Ten regular-season title and reached the Elite Eight as a No. 1 seed. But he couldn't sustain that success.

Instead, the program steadily declined from that point on. Michigan hit new lows this season, setting single-season program records with 24 total losses and 17 conference losses, as it missed the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year.

Before this season, Howard had a heart procedure in September that sidelined him for 10 games until he resumed his head-coaching role in mid-December.

"My health challenges during this past season tested my resolve, but true to the form of a Michigan Man, I stood and faced them, with the support of my family, players and staff," Howard said.

"I want to give a special shout out to All players I coached... you guys were and will always be my EVERYTHING!"

Following Friday's dismissal, several current and former Wolverines who were coached by Howard expressed their appreciation on social media, including Chaundee Brown, Kobe Bufkin, Hunter Dickinson, Jett Howard, DeVante' Jones, Tarris Reed Jr., Zavier Simpson, Mike Smith, Jon Teske, Will Tschetter and Franz Wagner.

"Michigan will always be a significant part of my legacy and I will be a significant part of theirs," Juwan Howard said. "Michigan Man Forever. Go Blue!"