Jon Sanderson is returning to the Midwest. The former Michigan men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach accepted the same position at Notre Dame, the program announced on Friday.
Sanderson spent 15 years at Michigan, working for head coaches John Beilein and Juwan Howard. Sanderson resigned from Michigan on March 1, 2024, the end result of a dispute with Howard that took place a few months prior.
Sanderson was hired later that month at Illinois as a consultant. A couple of months later, he was named the strength coach for Vanderbilt men’s basketball, where he spent all of last season. Vanderbilt, under first-year head coach Mark Byington, made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.
Sanderson was instrumental in Michigan’s player development and on-court success. Michigan reached at least the Sweet 16 seven times during his time there, including two appearances in the national championship, and won three Big Ten regular-season titles and two league tournament titles. More than 20 Wolverines during that time went on to play in the NBA.
“We are fortunate to add Jon to our basketball staff and sports performance team,” Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry said in a statement. “He is regarded as one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country, and his addition is a game changer for our program.
“We strive to be a program that stresses player development, and Jon’s track record of success at multiple schools makes him an ideal fit.”
Shrewsberry has spent the last two seasons at Notre Dame after two at Penn State. The Fighting Irish finished 15-18 overall and 8-12 in the ACC last season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year and seventh over the last eight.
“Coach Shrewsberry has established a strong foundation and an incredible culture,” Sanderson said. “I truly believe this program is on the verge of taking off. I’ve known Coach Shrewsberry for over 20 years, he’s one of the sharpest minds and most genuine leaders in the game.
“I’m excited to add another dimension to what’s already being built here. It’s a privilege to help shape the future of Notre Dame basketball, and I’m fully committed to the mission.”
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