Biff Poggi Makes His Case: Culture, Urgency, and a Vision for Michigan Football's Future
Interim head coach Biff Poggi isn’t mincing words when it comes to the state of Michigan football. Just days after stepping into the role following Sherrone Moore’s abrupt departure, Poggi addressed the media with a candid assessment of the program - and a clear message: if he’s given the keys to the Wolverines’ future, expect sweeping change.
“Everything that happens in this building has to be re-evaluated,” Poggi said Monday. “Quite frankly, because it is not upstanding.”
That’s not the kind of vague coach-speak we’re used to hearing. Poggi laid it out plainly - from strength and conditioning to nutrition to the medical staff, no corner of the program would go unchecked. He described it as five years of dysfunction, and if he’s the man chosen to lead the program forward, he’s promising a full-scale overhaul.
“If I am named head coach… there will be a massive self-examination of what happens in this building, and you can expect a lot of changes,” Poggi said.
Just a week ago, Poggi’s name wasn’t even in the top tier of candidates being floated for the permanent job. Michigan was reportedly eyeing big names like Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham.
But coaching searches move fast, and momentum has shifted. Poggi has formally interviewed and had multiple conversations with athletic director Warde Manuel.
More importantly, he’s drawing support from both current players and program alumni - and that matters in Ann Arbor.
What Poggi lacks in college head coaching experience, he’s trying to make up for with leadership and authenticity. He’s not just talking about wins and losses - he’s talking about how the program operates from top to bottom, and the kind of culture he wants to build.
“You need CEO skills because you have a multi-billion dollar corporation,” Poggi said. “You need somebody that knows how to run it, keep it straight, and doesn’t put the brand of the business in jeopardy.”
That’s a bold but accurate way to frame modern college football - especially at a blueblood like Michigan, where the stakes go far beyond the field. Poggi, who’s known for his blunt delivery and old-school demeanor, made it clear this isn’t just a job to him. It’s personal.
“This program means a lot to me,” he said. “And it’s one of the things I want to fix before I smoke myself to death with cigars.”
Since stepping into the interim role on December 10, Poggi hasn’t wasted time putting his stamp on the team. He’s already made noticeable changes to the daily rhythm of the program.
Meetings are shorter. Practices are faster.
The tone is lighter, more energized. And the players, according to Poggi, are responding.
“We’ve changed basically everything,” he said. “Practices are shorter, but much more up-tempo. I think they’re actually having fun playing football again.”
That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a subtle but important shift. In a sport where the grind can wear players down, especially during periods of instability, Poggi’s push for urgency and joy might be exactly what the program needs right now.
He also credited the remaining coaches for helping keep the team unified during a turbulent stretch. “It’s been a team effort,” he said. “There’s no manual for this, but I’m very pleased with where we are and what’s been going on.”
Poggi may not have the national profile of some of the other names in the coaching carousel, but he’s making a compelling case for stability, accountability, and a return to Michigan’s core values. He knows the culture.
He knows the expectations. And he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo.
If he does land the full-time job, one thing is clear: Biff Poggi won’t be afraid to shake things up.