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Longtime Michigan basketball coach John Beilein is taking the next step of his career. On Monday, May 13, it was announced that Beilein would be leaving Ann Arbor to take over as head coach of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, the Wolverines must immediately begin their search for a replacement.
Thanks to the oddsmakers, we have an early look at who the favorites may be.
Former Michigan star and current Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard is currently favored to land the job, according to BetOnline, while Oklahoma City’s Billy Donovan, Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley, Florida’s Mike White, NC State’s Kevin Keatts, and Texas’ Shaka Smart
It’s clear that the oddsmakers expect the Wolverines to attempt to make a major splash.
You can take a look at the odds below:
Odds on the next Michigan basketball coach (via @betonline_ag)
Juwan Howard 3/1
Billy Donovan 7/2
Bobby Hurley 5/1
Mike White 5/1
Kevin Keatts 7/1
Shaka Smart 7/1— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) May 14, 2019
The 66-year-old Beilein had been the head coach of the Wolverines since 2007, leading Michigan to NCAA tournament Final Four appearances in 2013 and 2018, a 2007 NIT Championship, and two Big Ten championships. In Cleveland, Beilein will be replacing former coach Tyronn Lue and interim coach Larry Drew.
Beilein holds head coaching record of 754-425 after stops at Le Moyne, Canisius, Richmond, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Now, the veteran head coach will be taking over a Cleveland Cavaliers team that is fresh off of a 19-63 record as they attempt to once again rebuild. If everything goes right for Beilein, however, he could begin his NBA coaching career with the No. 1 overall pick and former Duke star Zion Williamson.
