Search update from the Free Press

Submitted by 1201 on May 16th, 2019 at 8:44 PM

Warde is moving slower than molasses. By the time he hires a coach our recruiting class could be gone and assistants poached by other schools. Between this and going on a safari after Beilein told him he was talking to NBA teams, it's starting to seem incompetent.

Per multiple sources with direct knowledge of the search, Michigan has conducted fact-finding interviews with representatives for prospective candidates but had not entered into the formal interview stage with any candidate as of Thursday afternoon.

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/05/16/michigan-basketballs-coaching-search-heres-latest/3700055002/

ralphgoblue

May 16th, 2019 at 8:46 PM ^

Take your time,find the right coach. Whomever they hire will have a strong roster and just needs to win and the recruiting will take care of its self

I m leaning towards Juwan

1201

May 16th, 2019 at 8:53 PM ^

I mean he's had time. He knew Beilein leaving was a possibility back on May 1st. Instead of going to Africa he should have been doing prep work on all these coaches, or trying to convince Beilein to stay. It's taken him three days to decide he might want to interview LaVall Jordan and Juwan Howard? I mean come on. And as far as Howard, who I have no idea is a good coach or not, if he wasn't a UM alum would he even be considered for this job? Maybe he'll be great but it has a Hoke feel to it.

1201

May 16th, 2019 at 9:07 PM ^

Brady Hoke had also already been a head coach for 8 years. I was only trying to point out we are considering a guy largely because of his ties to Michigan and not the merits of his resume. Interviewing for NBA head coaching jobs is great but it's not an impressive bullet point as to why he should be hired. 

Yessir

May 16th, 2019 at 9:17 PM ^

Howard had success playing the game at Michigan and as a pro.  He's had tutelage as a coach from some great NBA coaches.

We know him! He won't embarrass the university.  

I think at this point, it's Howard for me.  I'm willing to take a step back next year to let him grow.

my2cents 

 

ijohnb

May 16th, 2019 at 9:55 PM ^

I think at this point the question is, who else?  Beilein left after the carousel stopped.  It is a tough ask to pull other high level coaches who would be making lateral moves, at best.  Howard is clearly competent, at a very minimum, has ties to the University, is a stand up guy, has NBA connections that would probably move the needle for some recruits.  We really can’t be that picky right now, our “feelers” are getting a lot of “thanks but no thanks.”

BroadneckBlue21

May 16th, 2019 at 10:19 PM ^

Do you often stop your own life and decide to forgo a planned event because the possibility that an employee may move on? What kind of life is that—what kind of way of life is that? The selfishness of the fans is, well, sadly expected.

Let’s all critique the lack of an immediate hire for a prestigious job. Or maybe we can go on with the rest of our lives and wait until Manuel hires someone before we boo to the high heavens. 

BernardC

May 16th, 2019 at 10:51 PM ^

Holy shit 1201, even though you're a douche I agree with you!  WTF is this dingleberry thinking when the fate of his 2nd biggest program hangs in the balance?

Although I can't agree with you in regards to Howard. I dont think we really know if he'd be a HR or a SO if we are being truthful.   100% shot in the dark, but I wouldn't hate the hire.

Alumnus93

May 16th, 2019 at 11:07 PM ^

Why would anyone neg 1201 here?  He is spot-on... the Africa trip is reminiscent of Martin going on his boat...   I think this is gross negligence by Manuel... he knew a year ago this would be it, and he goes to Africa.

J.

May 16th, 2019 at 11:34 PM ^

If Michigan were further along in the process, you'd say they were rushing it.

You may well be the least satisfiable person with whom I've ever come into contact.  You need help, man.  This isn't healthy.

UMForLife

May 17th, 2019 at 12:59 AM ^

I take at least a few weeks to hire a maintenance guy at my work. I sure hope we are taking some time to ensure we have approached every candidate before we hire a coach for Michigan. Nobody knows anything. I really wish all the insiders would shut the hell up until a coach is hired so there won't be BS comments like yours. I think Beilein left at the wrong time for UM but at the right time for himself. Nothing wrong with that. It is what it is. Move on and wait for the final decision. If you don't like the hire complain. You still wouldn't know if Warde has not approached others but I am sure everyone will pile on him if the new coach is not up to the fan bases' expectation. Let us save it until we know something concrete.

jwfsouthpaw

May 17th, 2019 at 12:30 AM ^

This is a nice soundbite. The only problem is that the Michigan basketball program is not in a "moment of crisis."  Arguably its most successful coach in history has departed after bringing the program back to national prominence. This is an opportunity to take the next step.

The absolutely worst thing Warde can do is to hire someone immediately just for the sake of expediency and risk sending the program back to the Amaker years.

Despite what some people here would have you believe, the program is not going to fall apart in the next couple of weeks.

TheCube

May 16th, 2019 at 8:49 PM ^

Honestly fine with Howard, Smart or Jordan. 

Would probably prefer Howard then Smart then Jordan tho if I were to choose. 

Jalen thinks it's a layup for Howard especially since he has Beilein's blessing apparently. https://twitter.com/JalenandJacoby/status/1129086612300795904

If Howard is a serious contender for the Timberwolves job, then Smart is not a bad fall-back at all. He's only 42 and has way more experience than Lavall does. Really good recruiter (which is sometimes all you need in college basketball) and has plenty of years to up his coaching ability. If Beilein could change up his coaching in his 60s, then Smart can too. 

vanarbor

May 16th, 2019 at 8:50 PM ^

Howard, Smart, Jordan, Cooley

Howard, Smart, Jordan, Cooley

Howard, Smart, Jordan, Cooley

Howard, Smart, Jordan, Cooley

At this point these are the only names that frequently come up, it sounds like it's going to be out of these four. Want the first two, not the latter two.

Vinny The Microwave

May 16th, 2019 at 8:54 PM ^

Stop fucking around

Hire Howard and be done with this shit

Clearly, No “big name” guys want to come coach for a stupid ass incompetent AD 

The recruiting class is almost fucked (if not already) and the assistants are starting to get poached - but dumb ass Warde is in fact finding interviews for search firms - god damn clown show 

ih8losing

May 16th, 2019 at 9:39 PM ^

I’m surprised no one is mentioning Yaklich. It’s sad how quickly reality of how valuable the Michigan Basketball HC position is really viewed is sitting in. Couple days ago top basketball coaches were the names everyone was hoping for, now we’re talking about candidates with zero head coaching experience... 

my hope is the basketball program is sacrificing itself for the sake of the football program. That has to be it right? 

 

 

Alumnus93

May 16th, 2019 at 11:22 PM ^

forgot who it was but someone instisted here that Wardes protocol is hiring the best minority candidate...and the only four listed are minorites.  If he really is making this a priority he should be fired on the spot.  Hire one of them because they are the best candidate.