The University of Michigan football program is no stranger to the national spotlight, but the latest chapter in Ann Arbor has little to do with game plans or bowl matchups-and everything to do with a program trying to steady itself after yet another off-field scandal.
Earlier this month, Michigan parted ways with Sherrone Moore following revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. That alone would’ve been a major headline.
But the story escalated quickly when Moore was arrested and arraigned on multiple charges, including a felony count for home invasion. He’s set to appear in court again in January.
In the wake of Moore’s dismissal, Michigan turned to Biff Poggi to serve as the interim head coach. Poggi, who had been on staff, will now lead the Wolverines into the Citrus Bowl against Texas on New Year’s Eve. But beyond preparing for the Longhorns, Poggi is also navigating the early stages of what could become a long-term audition.
Meeting with the media on Monday, Poggi confirmed he’s already interviewed with Athletic Director Warde Manuel for the permanent head coaching job. And when asked what changes he’d implement if given the reins, Poggi didn’t hold back. His comments were candid-some might say refreshingly blunt-about the state of the program.
“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 just coach-speak. Poggi is calling out the entire infrastructure, and he’s doing it with full awareness of the baggage Michigan has been carrying.
“Let’s just call it what it is: a malfunctioning organization where there’s something every year,” he added. “I know with the Athletic Director, he’s made very clear he doesn’t want any more of that.”
It’s hard to argue with the assessment. Over the past few seasons, Michigan has found itself embroiled in one controversy after another.
In 2023, it was the now-infamous Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga that dominated headlines and cast a shadow over the Wolverines’ success on the field. That was followed by a disturbing case involving a former assistant coach who was indicted on federal charges for allegedly hacking into athletes’ private accounts to access intimate content.
Now, with Moore’s arrest, the program is once again forced to reckon with serious internal issues. And Poggi, for his part, seems to understand that it’s not just about cleaning up the mess-it’s about fundamentally changing how the program operates.
“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,” Poggi said.
That kind of statement isn’t just about accountability-it’s about culture. And for a program with Michigan’s history, expectations, and visibility, culture matters. A lot.
As the Citrus Bowl approaches, Poggi has a short window to show what he can do on the field. But make no mistake, his real audition might be happening off it. The Wolverines are looking for more than just a coach who can win games-they need someone who can restore trust, rebuild the foundation, and lead with integrity.
Whether Poggi is that person remains to be seen. But if his words are any indication, he’s ready to take a hard look at everything-and everyone-inside Schembechler Hall. And after the past few years, that might be exactly what Michigan needs.