As Michigan’s head coaching search moves into its second week, the Wolverines are inching closer to a decision - and the clock is ticking. Interim head coach Biff Poggi offered a key update on Monday, giving fans a clearer sense of when a new leader might be in place.
“(Athletic director) Warde Manuel just spoke to the kids today - I know he wants to have something done by the bowl game,” Poggi told reporters.
That bowl game, of course, is the Citrus Bowl on December 31. And while the university hasn’t tipped its hand on how far along the process is, recent developments across the college football landscape have added some wrinkles.
Over the weekend, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama punched their ticket to the national championship game with a win over Oklahoma, effectively keeping DeBoer in Tuscaloosa for the time being. Meanwhile, Kenny Dillingham locked in a new deal with Arizona State, taking another name off the board.
Those moves have shifted Michigan’s focus, forcing a recalibration as the coaching carousel continues to spin. But the urgency remains - and for good reason.
Landing a new head coach before the Citrus Bowl would give Michigan a critical window to stabilize the program before the transfer portal reopens on January 2. That date looms large.
With no head coach in place, the program risks becoming a target for schools looking to poach talent. Michigan’s roster is loaded with young, high-upside players, and in today’s college football climate, uncertainty is an open invitation for other programs to make their pitch.
The message is clear: the longer this drags out, the more vulnerable Michigan becomes. A swift hire isn’t just about optics - it’s about protecting the foundation of the program.
As for Poggi himself, he confirmed that he’s not just guiding the team through the interim - he’s very much in the mix for the full-time job.
“I’m being considered. I’ve had multiple interviews. Multiple conversations,” he said.
At this point, Poggi is the only candidate who’s publicly acknowledged interviewing for the role. Whether that puts him ahead in the race or simply part of a broader search remains to be seen. But he’s clearly making his case.
Poggi also didn’t shy away from offering a blunt assessment of the state of the program, calling Michigan a “malfunctioning” organization over the past five years. That’s a strong word - and it underscores the need for a hire who can not only steady the ship but reestablish a culture of consistency and competitiveness.
Looking at the broader coaching landscape, a few other potential candidates are still in the thick of bowl season. Jeff Brohm and Louisville take the field on December 23, Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri play on December 27, and Clark Lea’s Vanderbilt squad is slated for action on December 31.
Each of those dates could factor into Michigan’s timeline, depending on who’s truly in consideration behind closed doors. But with the Citrus Bowl just days away, the Wolverines don’t have much time left to make a move - and every day without a decision only adds to the uncertainty.
Michigan’s next head coach will inherit both a talented roster and a high-pressure situation. The transfer portal, recruiting, and a fanbase hungry for stability - it’s all on the table. Now it’s just a matter of who gets the call.