Biff Poggi Steps In as Michigan's Interim Coach Amid Turmoil, Eyes Long-Term Role
The University of Michigan football program is no stranger to the spotlight-but lately, it hasn't been for the right reasons. With the College Football Playoff in full swing, Michigan finds itself at the center of a different kind of attention: a leadership crisis following the dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore.
Moore was fired earlier this month after the university determined he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The situation escalated quickly-he was later arrested and arraigned on multiple charges, including a felony count of home invasion. Moore is scheduled to return to court in January, but in the meantime, the Wolverines have turned to a familiar face to guide them through the chaos.
Enter Biff Poggi.
The veteran coach has been named interim head coach and will lead Michigan into the Citrus Bowl against Texas on New Year’s Eve. It’s a high-stakes assignment, not just because of the opponent, but because the program is at a critical crossroads. And Poggi isn’t shying away from the reality of the situation.
Meeting with the media on Monday, Poggi confirmed that he’s already interviewed with athletic director Warde Manuel for the full-time head coaching position. And when asked what changes he’d make if given the reins permanently, he didn’t hold back.
“Everything that happens in this building has to be reevaluated, quite frankly, because it is not up to standard,” Poggi said. “The staff has to be reevaluated.
I mean the coaches, the analysts, everybody in the building. ... Our strength and conditioning, our nutrition, our medical, everything.”
That’s not coach-speak. That’s a guy taking a hard look at a program that’s been through the wringer.
Poggi didn’t sugarcoat the state of things. He pointed to what he called “five years of ... let’s just call it what it is: a malfunctioning organization where there’s something every year.” He made it clear that if he’s chosen to lead the Wolverines, there would be a comprehensive overhaul-top to bottom.
That kind of candor is rare in college football, especially from an interim coach. But it might be exactly what Michigan needs right now.
Because Poggi isn’t wrong-the program has been through a rough stretch. The Sherrone Moore situation is just the latest in a series of scandals.
The Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga dominated headlines in 2023, raising serious questions about the program’s culture and oversight. And earlier this year, a former staffer was indicted on federal charges for allegedly hacking into athletes’ accounts to access intimate photos and videos.
Each of these incidents has chipped away at Michigan’s image and, more importantly, its internal trust. Poggi seems to understand that. He’s not just talking about X’s and O’s-he’s talking about rebuilding the foundation.
And that’s what makes his candidacy for the permanent job so intriguing. He’s not promising a quick fix. He’s promising a full system audit.
“I know with the Athletic Director, he’s made very clear he doesn’t want any more of that,” Poggi said. “If I am named the coach, which again I don’t know if I am, there would be a massive self-examination of what happens in this building.”
That kind of leadership mindset matters. Especially at a time when the Wolverines are trying to re-establish who they are-not just on the field, but as an institution.
For now, Poggi’s focus is on Texas and the Citrus Bowl. But make no mistake: this is more than just a one-game audition.
It’s a moment of reckoning for Michigan football. And if Poggi’s vision is any indication, the program might be ready to start asking the hard questions it’s avoided for too long.