Michigan Athletics has made a significant addition to its coaching staff with the hiring of Matt Aldred, who is set to assume the role of Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the university’s men’s basketball program. While an official announcement from the Wolverines is pending, Aldred’s presence as a U-M employee listed in the university’s directory confirms the news.
Aldred brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Assistant Head Coach/Director of Basketball Performance for the Furman Paladins. His tenure with the Paladins was marked by notable achievements, earning him praise from Paladin head coach Bob Richey for his instrumental role in player development and program culture.
“Matt has done an incredible job of developing our players from a physical perspective, but there are many other ways he’s brought value to our program,” remarked Richey. “His ability to understand, contribute to, and protect the culture of our program is unique, and he does a great job of balancing deep care and high standards in our weight room.”
Aldred’s appointment comes in the wake of the departure of Jon Sanderson, who left the Wolverines midway through the 2023-24 season after a distinguished career in Ann Arbor. The news of Michigan’s interest in Aldred was initially reported on The Michigan Insider’s VIP message boards earlier this month, signaling the Wolverines’ proactive approach to strengthening their coaching staff.
Joining Dusty May’s coaching staff, Aldred is poised to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Michigan men’s basketball program following a challenging season. With a focus on player development and injury prevention, Aldred’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping the team’s performance and success on the court.
Speaking about the significance of a strength coach in the basketball program, U-M assistant Drew Williamson highlighted the importance of injury prevention and player development. As the Wolverines aim to leverage May’s coaching system and attract top recruits, Aldred’s track record of success and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly bolster the team’s efforts.
As Aldred steps into his new role, he inherits a roster with a blend of experienced seniors and promising young talent. With a focus on long-term development, Aldred will have the opportunity to shape the trajectory of players like Jace Howard, Vladislav Goldin, Nimari Burnett, and others who arrived via the Transfer Portal, ensuring their growth and success over multiple seasons.
As Michigan Athletics welcomes Matt Aldred to its coaching staff, anticipation builds for the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to the Wolverines’ basketball program, setting the stage for a promising future on the court.