Beilein headed to Michigan

Apr 3, 2007, 13:05 GMT

Ann Arbor, MI - John Beilein has signed a multi-year contract to become the head men's basketball coach of the University of Michigan, announced director of athletics Bill Martin on Tuesday.

'I am very pleased to announce John Beilein as our new head coach for the men's basketball program,' Martin said. 'He is an individual with a great knowledge of the game. He is a proven winner. He is an extraordinary teacher of the game. He is a great basketball coach. We welcome John and his family to Michigan.'

The 54-year-old Beilein becomes the 16th head coach in school history and replaces Tommy Amaker, who was fired on March 17 after a 22-13 season that included a second-round loss in the NIT.

Amaker spent the past six years as head coach of the Wolverines and finished his career at the school with a 109-83 overall record.

Beilein has spent the last five years as the head man at West Virginia and is fresh off of capturing the NIT championship this past season. His best campaign with the Mountaineers came in 2004-05, when the school went 24-11 and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. WVU also defeated eight ranked teams that year.

'This is an exciting opportunity for me and my family to join the University of Michigan basketball program,' Beilein said. 'I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and getting to know the University and Ann Arbor community. I am anxious to meet the team, visit with the recruits and all the Wolverine basketball alumni and fans. This is a great opportunity to build Michigan as one of the elite programs in the country.'

Prior to coaching the Mountaineers, Beilein spent five seasons building up the basketball program at Richmond.

In 29 seasons as a head coach that has included stints with LeMoyne and Canisius, Beilein has compiled a winning record in 26 of those campaigns. His overall record is 551-318.

© 2007 The Sports Network