Michigan Basketball: Wolverines Officially Announce New Staff Additions
Michigan officially announced the hiring of basketball assistants Luke Yaklich and DeAndre Haynes through a press release on Friday afternoon, along with the promotion of Chris Hunter to director of basketball operations.
Both Yaklich and Haynes were hired away from Illinois State, where they served as assistants under Redbirds head coach Dan Muller.
"First of all, I would like to thank Illinois State head coach Dan Muller for his professionalism throughout this entire search," Michigan head coach John Beilein said. "He reached out to us and recommended Luke and had nothing but great things to say about DeAndre. Losing two coaches is never easy, however, Dan encouraged both to pursue these openings with strong interest knowing it would help them reach their personal goals. He was first class in every way throughout the process."
Michigan lost former defensive assistant Billy Donlon to Northwestern on June 25, and Beilein talked about the importance of adding another defensive-minded coach in Yaklich to the staff.
"It was important for us to find someone who could bring a defensive mindset to our basketball program," Beilein said. "Coach (Billy) Donlon did a great job of that last year, and I was looking for the kind of coach who could replace his energy and knowledge in that area. I believe Luke will bring that kind of attitude to Michigan.
"In addition to gaining a new set of Midwest recruiting contacts, Luke and Coach Muller made Illinois State one of the nation's best defensive basketball teams over the past four years. We are excited for Luke to bring some of that coaching expertise to us.”
Yaklich shared his own thoughts on joining the Wolverine staff.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful about the opportunity that Coach Beilein has given me to help teach, coach and mentor our student-athletes at the University of Michigan," he said. "I look forward to representing the university and our basketball program on and off the court with character, integrity, passion and pride. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Dan Muller for the incredible opportunity to learn and grow as an assistant coach at Illinois State. The support and encouragement he gave to me during this process will not be forgotten."
Beilein also touched on what Haynes will bring to the table, including his valuable recruiting ties to the state of Michigan.
"DeAndre was exactly what we were looking for during the hiring process of this particular assistant position," Beilein said. "We wanted someone who really understood and could teach this great game and had experience doing so. We wanted someone who understood guard play and the skill development needed to excel at that position.
"We wanted someone who was excellent at building and maintaining relationships with the young man we have, as well as recruit and mentoring them during their time at Michigan. We were also looking for someone who could be an effective recruiter particularly in the state of Michigan and the footprint of the Big Ten. DeAndre answered the call in all four of those areas. He will join our staff immediately and we are excited to have him get started."
Haynes, a native of Detroit and graduate of Southwestern High School, talked about his excitement to join the staff.
"Coaching basketball at the University of Michigan has always been a dream of mine," he said "Being able to coach at Michigan is an amazing chance to learn under a legendary coach like John Beilein as well as the rest of the staff. I am eager to recruit and retain the very best student-athletes that Michigan has come to expect. The state of Michigan is, and will always be, home and for me and my family. It is a wonderful feeling to have this opportunity to return.
"I truly appreciate Coach Dan Muller for giving me the opportunity to work with him at Illinois State. While it was brief, it was an incredible experience. I wanted to add thanks to the Redbirds family for the support they've given me and my family while we were there and now with this new career path."
Beilein also touched on Hunter’s promotion to director of basketball operations, replacing the departed Waleed Samaha.
"Chris has been a tremendous asset to our basketball program over these past three years," he explained. "He's going to be an outstanding basketball coach one day. The director of basketball operations position will give him another level of preparation as he readies himself for life in the coaching profession. We are fortunate to have someone of Chris' outstanding talent running the day-to-day operation of our basketball program."
Hunter briefly discussed his new position.
“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity to progress my career further here at the University of Michigan as the director of basketball operations," he said. "Coach Beilein has been an invaluable resource in my career and I look forward to continuing to propel Michigan Basketball forward in my new role."
Beilein has now filled all of positions on the staff that were left vacated by the aforementioned Donlon, Samaha and Jeff Meyer, who departed for Butler.
The Wolverines tip off the 2017-2018 season on Nov. 11 against North Florida.
Read more about the background of Yaklich and Haynes by clicking the links.
Read the full press release here.
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