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LaVall Jordan to Michigan

As we first reported on Tuesday , Laval Jordan has been hired as Michigan’s third assistant coach. I already wrote up some thoughts about the Jordan hire and Western Michigan coach Steve Hawkins feels like Beilein “tampered” with Jordan. Beilein addressed Hawkins’ statements:

“I am surprised by the reaction of Coach Hawkins because I thought we were on the same page. Obviously, we have an unfortunate misunderstanding. I did contact Coach Hawkins when I was informed of a potential staff vacancy here at Michigan. LaVall was a finalist for our previous open coaching position and was well thought of during that process. After the call to Steve, I stepped away to allow LaVall and Coach Hawkins to discuss his future. LaVall contacted me after he reached an understanding with Coach Hawkins. In the end LaVall made a career choice for he and his family.”

Here’ the press release:

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan men’s basketball head coach John Beilein announced today (Wednesday, June 9) the hiring of LaVall Jordan as an assistant coach for the Wolverine program.

“LaVall is a terrific addition to our staff,” said Beilein. “He grew up in the state of Michigan and was a huge fan of the Maize and Blue. LaVall knows and appreciates the valued traditions of this great university and the Wolverine program.

“LaVall is a proven recruiter, excellent mentor and gifted teacher of the game. Bringing to Michigan his knowledge as a player and coach and his experience from a successful Butler program (multiple NCAA Tournament appearances including the Sweet 16 in 2007), LaVall will be a tremendous asset for us as we continue to develop our program’s culture.

“LaVall’s passion for skill development and deep understanding of guard play will undoubtedly benefit our backcourt players. I am especially pleased with his working and recruiting experience in the Big Ten and believe he will be a key component as we strengthen our program and recruiting efforts.”

“I know what the University of Michigan means to this state and around the country. To be part of that is truly a great opportunity,” said Jordan. “Returning to my home state, being closer to my family and working for Michigan is a tremendous honor.

“Having recruiting ties in the state of Michigan, the Midwest and across the country, I am looking forward to helping this staff bring in the right type of young man that will help this program become one of the best in the Big Ten and the nation.

“I love the make-up of this staff,” added Beilein. “They will help this young team develop their games both collectively and on an individual basis. I am very confident that our terrific Michigan fans will embrace watching this young team make great progress in the years ahead.”

Jordan spent the last three years at Iowa as an assistant coach under former Hawkeye head coach Todd Lickliter.  Prior to his arrival at Iowa, Jordan spent four years coaching at his alma mater Butler (2003-07) as an assistant coach for three seasons (2004-07) and as the coordinator of basketball operations for one season (2003-04).

Jordan assisted the Bulldogs to a 29-7 record in 2006-07, sharing the Horizon League regular season title in 2007 and advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament before a loss to eventual national champion Florida.

Before embarking on his coaching career, Jordan was a starting guard at Butler (1998-2001), helping the Bulldogs win three conference tournament titles and two Horizon League regular season championships. He participated in four consecutive postseason tournaments — NCAA (1998, 2000, ’01) and NIT (1999) – and helped record Butler’s first tournament win in 39 years with a 79-63 win over Wake Forest in 2001.

Jordan was a two-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference performer and was the league’s tournament MVP in 2001. He tallied 91 victories in four years, which at the time made him the winningest player in Butler history.

A native of Albion, Mich., Jordan earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Butler in 2001, and went on to play professional basketball in Europe. He was the first Butler player to participate in the National Basketball Developmental League, playing for the Huntsville Flight.

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