Juwan Howard is heading back to Ann Arbor.
After spending six seasons as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat under Erik Spoelstra, Howard is Michigan's head basketball coach, the university announced on Wednesday.
The news was first reported by Stadium's Jeff Goodman, who said Howard has agreed to a five-year deal.
Howard released the following statement in a Michigan release:
"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the University of Michigan's storied basketball program. I have been very fortunate to be part of a great championship organization in the Miami Heat for the last nine years -- three as a player and six as a coach. 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.
"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. 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.
"I want to sincerely thank Warde Manuel, President Mark Schlissel and all the great people at the University for entrusting me with this opportunity. I cannot wait to get started.
"It feels great to be coming home. Go Blue!"
Howard will replace John Beilein, who left the Wolverines after 12 seasons to become head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Beilein led Michigan to nine NCAA tournament appearances, two regular season Big Ten titles, two conference tournament championships and two national championship appearances.
With the impending hiring of Howard, Michigan will have former players running both the football and basketball programs.
As a player, Howard went 5-2 against Ohio State. Now, he'll try his hand against Chris Holtmann's Buckeyes.
