Phil Martelli has been at St. Joseph’s for 34 years, 24 of them as head coach, before he became an assistant on Michigan’s men’s basketball staff, writes Andrew Kahn for mlive.com.

In March, he was fired by St. Joe’s, after winning 444 games. He was picked up in Michigan by first-year head coach Juwan Howard, calling Martelli “The Godfather.”

Martelli left behind his wife of 43 years, who visits twice a month, and a daughter.

Judy decided to stay in Media, close to family, friends and her charitable causes.

“I would be less than honest if I didn’t say at night when I’m reading the newspaper or just staring at the TV that it’s not lonely at times,” Martelli says. “And it’s lonely for my wife. I do recognize that. I also recognize that I’m not alone. I make sure Juwan Howard knows that I’m always ready, willing, and able to connect.”

At St. Joe’s, Martelli said, it was about the people, not the things. Michigan has the things, but the people are still remarkable.

And they love him back, for his knowledge, personality and charity work, particularly his efforts to “crush cancer.”

Read more about Phil Martelli’s transition from Philly to Michigan here.

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