Michigan Football Navigates Uncharted Waters Ahead of Citrus Bowl
The Michigan Wolverines are heading into their Citrus Bowl showdown with Texas under a cloud of emotional turmoil and sudden change. Interim head coach Biff Poggi, stepping in after the abrupt dismissal and arrest of Sherrone Moore, is now tasked with doing more than just preparing a team for a New Year’s Eve bowl game-he’s helping young men process shock, anger, and betrayal.
“It has been a tumultuous time,” Poggi said during a press event in Orlando, where the Wolverines are set to face the Longhorns on Dec. 31.
“First disbelief, then anger. Quite frankly, they feel very betrayed and we’re trying to work through that.”
Moore’s firing came last Wednesday after the university said it had evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Hours later, Moore was arrested and charged with felony third-degree home invasion and two misdemeanors tied to a domestic situation. The fallout has left Michigan’s football program reeling just as it prepared to wrap up its season.
Poggi, a 65-year-old coaching veteran who previously served as associate head coach under both Jim Harbaugh and Moore, was tapped by athletic director Warde Manuel to steady the ship. And right now, that means prioritizing the emotional well-being of his players before anything else.
“How do you deal with it? A lot of arms around shoulders, a lot of listening, a lot of telling them that you love them-but also showing it, because words are cheap,” Poggi said. “That takes time.”
Poggi hasn’t just been offering platitudes. He’s been meeting one-on-one with players and their families, often over Zoom, to give them space to share their thoughts and emotions.
“I want to understand what the kids and their parents are feeling,” he explained. “There’s been a wide range of emotions, as you can imagine.
And we’re going through those steps. They’re not over yet, and I don’t expect them to be over for a while.”
That emotional processing has to happen alongside football preparation, which is no easy balance. Poggi admitted the lead-up to the Citrus Bowl has been anything but normal.
“I don’t know that you can prepare for something like this,” he said. “I’ll just say that it’s been complicated.”
With the team’s routine shaken, Poggi has introduced changes to how Michigan conducts meetings and practices. The goal? Establish a new rhythm and create a safe space where players can focus on football, even if just temporarily.
“This becomes kind of our sanctuary,” Poggi said. “When we get inside of that rectangle, it’s time to go to work.”
That sanctuary mindset will be critical as Michigan prepares to face a talented Texas squad. But Poggi is also being realistic-and empathetic-about the decisions some players are facing. Whether it’s considering the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal, several Wolverines are weighing whether to opt out of the bowl game altogether.
“What I’ve told them is this is a personal decision for you,” Poggi said. “It’s all based on a very unique situation, so we’re trying to be really sensitive to making sure we’re not forcing anybody into doing anything.”
This isn’t Poggi’s first time stepping into the interim role. Earlier this season, he filled in while Moore served a two-game suspension related to the program’s sign-stealing investigation. But this situation is entirely different-more personal, more raw, and far more complex.
“There is no manual,” Poggi said. “I’ve relied on my faith. I’ve tried to rely on kindness and empathy, but also the realities that this is the world we’re living in right now and we have a game to play.”
So now, the Wolverines march on-hurt, yes, but not broken. Under Poggi’s guidance, they’re trying to find a path forward.
It won’t be easy. But for a team that’s been through more than most this season, simply taking the field in Orlando will be a testament to their resilience.