The Michigan Wolverines are heading into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl under a cloud of uncertainty, with the program navigating a turbulent stretch both on and off the field. Just last week, the team’s trajectory was jolted when head coach Sherrone Moore was fired and later arrested following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The fallout has been swift, and the ripple effects are being felt throughout the program.
In the wake of Moore’s departure, Michigan has tapped Biff Poggi to serve as interim head coach as preparations continue for the bowl game. At the same time, the university is conducting a broader search for its next permanent head coach - a process now under the microscope with an independent investigation into the Athletic Department being led by the law firm Jenner & Block out of Chicago.
With the program in flux, three players - tight end Marlin Klein, linebacker Jimmy Rolder, and defensive back Zeke Berry - stepped up to the microphone on Friday afternoon. Their remarks marked the first time any players had spoken publicly since the Moore situation became headline news last Wednesday. And while they didn’t dive into the specifics of the off-field controversy, their words offered a glimpse into the locker room’s mindset as the Wolverines try to stay focused amid the chaos.
Marlin Klein: “We’re locked in”
Tight end Marlin Klein made it clear that, despite the noise surrounding the program, the team is dialed in on its immediate task: finishing the season strong. “We’re locked in,” Klein said, emphasizing that the team has rallied together in the face of adversity. He acknowledged that the last week has been anything but normal, but credited the coaching staff - particularly interim coach Poggi - for keeping the group focused.
Klein’s comments reflected a broader sentiment that’s often echoed in locker rooms during times of upheaval: control what you can control. For Michigan, that means preparing for the Citrus Bowl with the same intensity and attention to detail they’ve brought all season.
Jimmy Rolder: “We’ve got each other’s backs”
Linebacker Jimmy Rolder echoed that resilience. While he didn’t address the situation with Moore directly, Rolder spoke about the importance of leadership within the team. “We’ve got each other’s backs,” he said, pointing to the strength of the player-led culture that’s been built in Ann Arbor.
Rolder’s message was one of unity - a signal that, even as the coaching staff undergoes major changes, the players are leaning on each other to maintain a sense of normalcy. That kind of internal leadership becomes crucial during moments like this, especially for a program with high expectations and a national spotlight.
Zeke Berry: “We’re playing for Michigan”
Defensive back Zeke Berry brought it back to the essence of what it means to wear the maize and blue. “We’re playing for Michigan,” he said, underscoring that the team’s identity isn’t tied to any one coach or individual. Berry’s comments served as a reminder that, for many players, the name on the front of the jersey carries just as much weight as the names on the back.
Berry also emphasized that the Wolverines are still locked in on the opportunity ahead - a chance to finish the season with a statement win in a New Year’s Day bowl. It’s the kind of game that can serve as both a capstone for the current roster and a bridge to whatever comes next.
What’s next for Michigan
As the university’s investigation continues and the coaching search unfolds, the Wolverines are doing their best to keep the focus on football. That’s easier said than done, but the messaging from players suggests a locker room that’s determined not to let off-field distractions derail their final game of the season.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi will now be tasked with guiding a talented but shaken team through what promises to be an emotionally charged bowl appearance. For the players, the Citrus Bowl isn’t just about ending the season on a high note - it’s about showing resilience, unity, and pride in the face of adversity.
And while the future of Michigan football remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the players are still showing up, still competing, and still playing for something bigger than themselves.