I think the timing of it all played a factor as well. Beilein leaving when he did didn’t leave Michigan as many options and/or timing for the hunt, but that being said it’s still Michigan, a powerhouse program. If Michigan was in the hunt for a head coach during hiring season they wouldn’t have decided on Howard.
I don’t think it’s a bad as some make out though, certainly a risk, but Howard ran the Heat’s defense, which has been quite stingy in a league that doesn’t focus much on defense and he did it on a sub .500 team lacking a lot of talent. In addition, he coached the Heat’s bigs who were showing some development and he’s shown promise coaching up younger NBA players, which should translate well to the college game.
I would agree being the lead guy is a whole different ball game, but it’s not like he was meaningless in Miami. From what I understand he didn’t do much work offensively for Miami, so that could be a glaring weakness in his skill set. He will have strong recruiting to fall back on though, Michigan recruits well regardless and he has excessive NBA ties as a player and coach, which is typically very attractive to top tier recruits.
Is he going to be some legendary head coach, I doubt it, but you can say that about almost anyone. If he can bring that tenacious defense to Michigan and land dominant recruiting classes that he coaches up/mentors, he has a chance to be successful. I wouldn’t be shaking in my boots if I were Michigan St. or another top tier B10 school, but I wouldn’t love the move either, especially other schools in the Big Ten where he will likely widen the recruiting gap.
Definitely a significant risk, but the late notice from Beilein and almost guaranteed bump in recruiting likely make it a risk worth taking all things considered.