If I were to guess, Howard either likes talking to the opponent's players, coaches, or both. Fran was incensed in the game at Michigan, had to be held back while he was yelling at the Michigan bench. It appeared that he was upset about Howard talking to the Iowa players, but that's just from watching the game. No impartial observer is likely to take Fran's side as he's been known to blow up, but usually only at refs or his own players (aside from Steve Prohm 2 years ago or Illinois last year).
Prior to that game, Howard and Holtman from Ohio State got into it as well at half court. I'm sure some of it is coaches don't like a brand-new guy coming in with the immediate success Howard has had, along with the huge recruiting class he has coming in next year.
But all speculation on my part.