Biff Poggi Steps In at Michigan Amid Turmoil, Eyes Long-Term Leadership
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Biff Poggi didn’t mince words at his recent press conference. Standing at the lectern, tapping it for emphasis, he delivered a message that cut through the noise swirling around Michigan football.
“I want to fix this program,” he said.
It’s a bold statement, but one that reflects the gravity of the situation in Ann Arbor. Michigan, college football’s all-time wins leader, is navigating one of the most turbulent stretches in its storied history.
Ranked No. 18 heading into the Citrus Bowl against No. 14 Texas, the Wolverines are trying to steady themselves after a series of off-field controversies that have left the program reeling.
The latest shock came nearly two weeks ago when head coach Sherrone Moore was fired. The university cited an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and just days later, Moore was charged with three crimes after allegedly forcing his way into the apartment of the woman involved and threatening to harm himself.
In the wake of that chaos, Poggi was named interim head coach. His task? Prepare the team for a New Year’s Eve showdown with the Longhorns-and make a strong case to be considered for the permanent job.
“I’m being considered,” Poggi confirmed. “I’ve had multiple interviews. Nobody knows what’s going to happen.”
That much is clear. Michigan has enlisted a search firm to help identify its next head coach, and the timing couldn’t be trickier. The college football coaching carousel has already been spinning at full speed-Lane Kiffin jumped from Ole Miss to LSU, and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham reportedly used Michigan’s interest to secure a raise for himself and his staff.
Whoever takes over in Ann Arbor will inherit a program with serious baggage-but also serious potential. Michigan’s donor base is deep-pocketed and committed, a critical advantage in the NIL era. Still, there’s no sugarcoating it: the next coach is stepping into a program that’s been through the wringer.
Earlier this year, the NCAA placed Michigan on probation following a sign-stealing scandal that rocked the college football world. Athletic director Warde Manuel has said the fallout from that investigation will cost the department over $30 million.
And that’s not all. Matt Weiss, who once shared offensive coordinator duties with Moore, was charged with hacking into the computer accounts of thousands of college athletes in search of intimate images. A judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf earlier this year.
Other incidents involving Michigan staffers in recent years have only added to the perception that the program has strayed far from the standards it once represented-both on and off the field.
“It has been five years-let’s just call it a malfunctioning organization,” Poggi said bluntly. “I know the athletic director has made very clear he doesn’t want any more of that.”
The university has brought in a law firm to investigate Moore’s relationship with the staffer, and that probe is ongoing. Poggi made it clear that the problems aren’t isolated-they’re systemic.
“Everything that happens in this building has to be reevaluated, quite frankly, because it is not up to standard,” he said. “The staff has to be re-evaluated - the coaches, the analysts - everybody in the building.”
Poggi knows the building well. This is his fourth season inside Schembechler Hall, where Michigan’s football operations are headquartered.
His ties to the program run deep. Jim Harbaugh first brought him aboard in 2016 as an analyst.
After a brief stint launching a high school program in Baltimore, Poggi returned in 2021 as associate head coach. He even spent time as head coach at Charlotte in the American Athletic Conference, though his tenure there was short-lived, ending with a 6-16 record.
Moore brought Poggi back last spring, and when Moore was suspended for two games earlier this season due to a second NCAA rules violation, Poggi stepped in and led the Wolverines to wins over Nebraska and Central Michigan.
Now 66, Poggi brings a unique blend of football acumen and business savvy. A former offensive lineman at Pitt and Duke, he’s coached at Brown, The Citadel and Temple. He also made his fortune as a hedge fund manager-experience he believes translates well to the pressure cooker of big-time college football.
“When you’re in business, every day is game,” Poggi said.
As for the immediate future, Poggi’s focus is squarely on the Citrus Bowl, though the Wolverines will be shorthanded. Edge rushers Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, along with offensive guard Giovanni El-Hadi, have opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Poggi confirmed their decisions.
There’s also movement in the quarterback room. Backup QB Jadyn Davis plans to enter the transfer portal next week. Two former signees, Matt Ludwig and Bear McWhorter, have already been granted releases to enroll elsewhere.
And then there’s Bryce Underwood-the highly touted quarterback recruit who’s waiting to see how Michigan’s coaching situation shakes out before making a final decision. Poggi didn’t offer much on that front, but he made it clear the team isn’t looking past Texas.
“We’re focused on Texas right now,” Poggi said. “He’s focused on Texas.
Have you seen any film on Texas? That’s what Bryce is focused on.
We’re not focused on who’s going to go where next year.”
In a season defined by instability, Poggi is trying to bring some structure back to Michigan football. Whether he’s the man to lead the program long-term remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: he’s not backing down from the challenge.