The Michigan Wolverines are still searching for their next head coach, and with each passing day, interim coach Biff Poggi is becoming more than just a placeholder-he’s emerging as a legitimate contender for the job.
Poggi, a familiar face in Ann Arbor, rejoined the Michigan staff this season as associate head coach under Sherrone Moore. When Moore was suspended earlier this year, Poggi stepped in as acting head coach for games against Central Michigan and Nebraska. Now, he’s the man in charge again, preparing to lead the Wolverines into their Citrus Bowl showdown against Texas on New Year’s Eve.
But let’s be honest-the Citrus Bowl isn’t the main storyline in Ann Arbor right now. All eyes are on Michigan’s coaching search, and Poggi is very much in the mix.
This isn’t Poggi’s first stint as a head coach. He led the Charlotte 49ers for parts of two seasons, finishing with a 6-16 record.
On paper, that record doesn’t scream “next Michigan head coach,” but context matters. Charlotte and Michigan are worlds apart in terms of resources, talent pool, and expectations.
Poggi’s deep ties to the Michigan program-and his no-nonsense approach-are what have people talking.
Michigan has already interviewed Poggi multiple times, and on Monday, he met with the media to talk about bowl prep and, more notably, his candidacy for the permanent head coaching role. When asked why he believes he’s the right man for the job, Poggi didn’t hold back.
“Because I know what the hell I’m doing,” he said.
That’s classic Poggi-direct, passionate, and deeply invested in the program. He spoke not just as a coach, but as someone who’s lived and breathed Michigan for years.
His connection to the university runs deep. His son Henry played for the Wolverines.
Two of his daughters have graduated or are graduating from Michigan-one’s a doctor, the other is on her way. And Henry?
He’s now an investment banker. For Poggi, Michigan isn’t just a football job-it’s family.
“This place is magical,” Poggi said. “The program means a lot to me, and it’s one of the things I want to fix before I go smoke myself to death with cigars. I want to fix this program.”
That’s vintage Poggi-equal parts grit, heart, and humor. He’s not trying to win the job with buzzwords or a polished résumé. He’s leaning into what he knows: Michigan, its culture, and the belief that he can guide this program forward.
As the Wolverines gear up for their New Year’s Eve clash with Texas, the bowl game may serve as more than just a postseason finale-it could be an audition. Poggi will get one more chance to show what he can do on the sideline. And if Michigan’s decision-makers are watching closely, they’ll see a coach who’s not just filling in, but fighting for the future of a program he clearly loves.