The University of Michigan's longtime basketball strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson has called it quits after an alleged heated confrontation with men's basketball head coach Juwan Howard. The resignation, effective March 1st, ends a 15-year legacy with the Wolverines, a tenure spanning multiple head coaches and noteworthy success on the hardwood.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the dispute unfolded before a December 7 practice. Sources indicated that Sanderson and Howard were engaged in an argument in the training room that required others to step in and separate them. The tension had reportedly been escalating due to a previous incident involving Howard's son, Jace, a senior forward on the team.
"Jon Sanderson has resigned his position with University of Michigan Athletic Department," Kurt Svoboda, associate athletic director, told the Detroit Free Press. "We appreciate Jon's contributions over the years and wish him the best going forward." Following the December incident, Michigan conducted an internal review and found nothing warranting disciplinary action. Despite the findings, Sanderson distanced from the men's basketball program, instead working with other athletic teams within the university.
The Michigan Daily cites that Sanderson's run with the Wolverines, starting back in 2009, has been influential, aiding in the development of several NBA-caliber athletes and contributing significantly to the team's achievements during the Beilein era. However, this once-sturdy relationship between Sanderson and the Michigan basketball program appeared to unravel after the reported verbal altercation.
Amid the controversy, the Michigan basketball team's performance has suffered a marked decline. Kurt Svoboda confirmed to the CBS Detroit News that the Wolverines are nearing a record number of losses this season, with their recent defeat at Rutgers bringing them to a disheartening 8-21 record.
The fallout seems to have personal implications on future recruiting prospects as well. Sanderson's son, Jonathan, a sophomore standout point guard rated the No. 47 prospect in the country by 247Sports Composite, may be reconsidering his college choice in light of his father's departure from Michigan. At this stage, it remains uncertain how the Wolverines will regroup as they close a turbulent chapter and look ahead to a future without one of their longest-serving staff members.
