University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced today that men’s basketball John Beilein has signed an extension through the 2022-23 season.
“I am thrilled to ensure John’s leadership of our basketball program today and into the future,” Manuel said in a press release on MGoBlue.com. “I am very pleased with our shared dialog throughout the process, and I am extremely happy that one of the game’s great coaches is representing the University of Michigan.”
At the end of the deal, the contract extends out an additional year at the end of each season unless Beilein or the university decide to terminate the deal. Essentially, the extension acts as a lifetime deal for the Michigan coach.
During his tenure as Michigan’s head coach, Beilein has led the Wolverines to two national championship games, two Big Ten Tournament titles and has developed seven players into first round picks in the NBA draft. Beilein is currently Michigan’s all-time win leader (248) and most recently led the Wolverines to a school record 33 wins in 2018.
“I am grateful for the opportunity the University of Michigan has given to me over the past 11 years,” Beilein said via the press release. “Kathleen and I love Ann Arbor, our university, our fans and the state of Michigan. We will continue to work very hard in the future to have our basketball team reflect the greatness of this university. I thank Mark Schlissel and Warde Manuel for their faith and commitment to our coaching staff and basketball program. The future of men’s basketball is bright and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Before opting to remain in Ann Arbor, Beilein was linked to the Detroit Pistons’ head coach opening, along with NBA coached Ime Udoka and Dwane Casey. While Beilein even met with Pistons owner (and Michigan State alum) Tom Gores, he withdrew his name from the search before even receiving an offer.
I love the University of Michigan and I am excited about coaching our Men’s Basketball Team next season and in the years to come ! Let’s go hang some more banners at “THE GREATEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD “#GoBlue
— John Beilein (@JohnBeilein) June 6, 2018
With his return, Beilein comes back to a Michigan team that returns three starters and has a chance to make another splash in the NCAA Tournament next year. Regardless of whether Michigan hangs a national championship banner in Crisler Arena or not, Beilein and his system will remain in Ann Arbor for the long haul. And in doing so, Michigan can remain that much more stable and relevant in the ever-changing world of college hoops.