Sanderson had been with Michigan's men's program since being hired in 2009 by former head coach John Beilein. (Photo by Hannah Fountain – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Jon Sanderson, the longtime strength and conditioning coach for the Michigan men's basketball team, resigned from his position Friday after 15 years with the program.
The decision comes two months after Sanderson stopped working with the team.
According to The Athletic, Sanderson and the university reached an agreement following his resignation — one that includes a confidentiality clause.
Sanderson's departure comes nearly three months after he got into a confrontation with Michigan head coach Juwan Howard that ended his time with the men's team. Since the Dec. 7 incident, Sanderson has worked primarily with the school's Olympic sports teams.
Documents obtained by The Athletic revealed what Sanderson emailed to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel the day after Sanderson's confrontation with Juwan Howard.
According to Sanderson, the incident was sparked by an argument between an athletic trainer and senior guard Jace Howard, Juwan's son. Jace Howard had missed the entire season at the time with a stress fracture and questioned the coaching staff as to why he had not been cleared to play.
Sanderson wrote that Jace Howard “abused” the coach and caused a “scene” that caused several players to stop and watch. Sanderson described the scene as “completely out of control” and said the coach tried to calm Jace Howard and get him to discuss the matter privately. When Sanderson noticed that the coach seemed increasingly distressed and “panicked,” he intervened and yelled at Howard from about 30 feet away: “You're a student-athlete and he's a professional.” You don't talk to a professional like that. This is disrespectful and justified.” He said he reiterated that the tirade was “disrespectful.”
Sanderson wrote in the email to Manuel that he tried to de-escalate the situation by turning and walking away. When Sanderson looked back, he said Juwan Howard came toward him “angry and ready to fight” and repeatedly yelled while players and staff held him back.
“He continued to aggressively pursue me to fight while the players and staff did their best to hold him back. He was out of control, it was an ugly scene. I had no choice but to stand firm, I didn't give in. A few players and staff also stood in front of me to separate us,” Sanderson wrote.
Sanderson wrote that players and staff were ultimately able to restrain Howard, after which the team began practice and Sanderson went to his office.
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 29: Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard on the sideline during the first half of the college basketball game against Rutgers. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite having a zero-tolerance policy due to his infamous hit on an assistant coach at Wisconsin in 2022, Juwan Howard was cleared by the university in mid-December following a personnel review. Manuel's statement said: “Based on a thorough internal review, nothing was found that would warrant disciplinary action against those involved.”
Jace Howard told the Detroit Free Press in December that the incident was “obviously a misunderstanding given the reports, it was almost completely false.” When asked for his version, Juwan Howard said he was referring to Manuel's statement and said: “I think it was clear. It was precise.”
Sanderson was hired by former Michigan men's head coach John Beilein in 2009. When Howard took over in 2019, he retained Sanderson as part of his staff.
Michigan's men's basketball team is currently 8-21 and has lost its last six games and 10 of its previous 11 games. The team is one loss shy of the school record for losses in a single season.