It’s been a whirlwind week in Ann Arbor. Just seven days after Sherrone Moore was fired as Michigan’s head coach following his arrest, the Wolverines are deep into the process of finding their next leader. And now, we have confirmation of the first formal interview in what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes coaching search.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi sat down with athletic director Warde Manuel and university officials on Tuesday for his official interview for the full-time job. Poggi, who previously served as the head coach at Charlotte, stepped in during a chaotic moment for the program and has been credited with keeping the ship steady amid the storm.
Behind the scenes, Poggi has drawn support from key boosters - the kind of financial backers whose voices carry weight in decisions like these. That backing, combined with his stabilizing presence over the past week, has earned him a legitimate look for the permanent role.
Still, it’s worth noting that Poggi remains a long shot. He’s not among the program’s top-tier targets, and his chances hinge on whether Michigan can land one of its preferred candidates.
Names like Kalen DeBoer and Kenny Dillingham are reportedly at the top of Michigan’s wish list, and until those dominoes fall, Poggi’s candidacy remains more of a contingency plan than a frontrunner bid. But if the top names pass or become unavailable, don’t be surprised if Poggi’s name resurfaces with stronger momentum - especially if the donor influence behind him grows louder.
This is also a good reminder of how these coaching searches typically unfold: slowly and strategically. Poggi’s formal interview taking place just this week suggests Michigan is still early in the process. And with DeBoer focused on Alabama’s College Football Playoff run, there’s little chance we’ll get clarity on his availability until after that campaign wraps up.
So, for now, Michigan fans will have to wait and watch. The Wolverines are playing the long game, and with a program of this stature, they can afford to.
But don’t forget about Biff Poggi. He may not be the first name on the list, but in a coaching carousel where timing and circumstance often dictate outcomes, he’s still in the mix - and that alone says something.