Juwan Howard Fired by Michigan; Join Son Jett with Magic?
In this story:
ORLANDO - Juwan Howard is looking for a new job after the Michigan Wolverines fired him on Friday.
Howard, 51, led the Wolverines to the Elite Eight in 2021, but regressed in each year after that. Michigan fell to the bottom of the Big Ten this season with just three wins in conference play.
Now, Howard could be looking for work, and the Orlando Magic could make sense as a destination.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Howard's son, Jett, was drafted by the Magic with the No. 11 overall pick last summer, and his presence could help him develop further. Howard also coached Franz Wagner and Caleb Houstan at Michigan, two players who are under contract with the Magic for next season.
It's clear that the Magic appreciates what the Michigan program has to offer, and Howard embodies that.
Joining the Magic coaching staff would be a return to the Sunshine State for Howard, who was an assistant coach under Erik Spoelstra for the Miami Heat from 2013-19. He also won two championships as a player in the final years of his playing career in 2012 and 2013.
During his 19-year playing career, Howard played the 2003-04 season with the Magic, averaging 17 points per game before being traded in the infamous Tracy McGrady deal with the Houston Rockets.
On top of all of this, the Magic have a small vacancy on staff. Assistant coach Nate Tibbetts left the team during training camp to join the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, so Howard could step in and provide some familiarity with some players currently on the roster.
