Michigan AD 'very surprised' by Beilein's decision to join Cavs

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel was as surprised as anybody that John Beilein left to become coach of the Cavaliers.

"I was very surprised," Manuel said Thursday during a press conference to introduce Juwan Howard as the Wolverines' new coach.

Beilein, 66, spent 12 seasons at Michigan before leaving for his first job in the NBA of any kind. He has spent his entire career in college, leading West Virginia to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight in 2005 and Michigan to the national championship game in 2013 and 2018.

Despite not being mentioned among the Cavs' candidates reported by the national media, Beilein ended up with the job. So not only were the heaviest hitters in the media stunned, so were those around the college game.

"He called and told me he accepted the job and there was nothing for me to offer," Manuel said. "He called and said he already accepted the job."

The Cavaliers own the No. 5 overall pick in the June 20 draft. Beilein suggested he may coach a game or two in the NBA summer leagues that follow in early July.