Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi held a Zoom call with recruits and their parents just hours after Sherrone Moore was fired, a source told the Associated Press on Monday.
Immediate Response to Moore’s Firing
Poggi informed the players and their parents that athletic director Warde Manuel hopes to have a new coach hired by the end of the month, the anonymous source said. The call took place just hours after Moore’s dismissal.
Recruiting Class in Turmoil
The Wolverines announced less than two weeks ago that 27 prospects had signed commitments to play football for the maize and blue. The class is ranked No. 11 by 247Sports. Two recruits asked for and were granted releases: Matt Ludwig, a four‑star tight end from Montana, has already switched his commitment to Texas Tech, and Bear McWhorter, a three‑star offensive lineman from Georgia, posted on Instagram that \”In light of recent events, I’ve made the very difficult decision to withdraw.\” McWhorter made the decision Monday and has committed to Auburn.
Moore was fired Wednesday after the school said an investigation uncovered evidence of his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was later jailed for two nights and charged with three crimes.
Pressure on Remaining Players and Staff
Michigan has begun practicing for its bowl game with Poggi and assistants, none of whom know if they will be part of the team’s staff in 2026. Current players, including starting quarterback Bryce Underwood, will have a chance to enter the transfer portal between Jan. 2‑16 if they don’t like the program’s direction or how they fit with the new coach.
Allen Trieu, 247Sports national recruiting analyst, told the AP in a telephone interview: \”Every day that a new coach isn’t in place, there’s a risk in more players asking for their release and current players planning to go in the portal.\” He added, \”Time is of essence, if the primary goal is to keep the recruiting class in place.\” Trieu also said, \”Those families are waiting with bated breath — as many are who are invested in Michigan football — to see who the next coach is going to be.\”
A search firm is helping Michigan quickly look for a new coach, while other colleges are taking advantage of the opportunity to make offers to the Wolverines’ signees because they’re in a 30‑day window to potentially get released. Trieu noted, \”It’s a very unique time. You have a coaching staff, not knowing if they’ll be back, preparing for a game while trying to hold onto signees and current players — and everybody is impatient.\”
Key Takeaways
- Michigan’s interim coach Biff Poggi met with recruits just hours after Sherrone Moore’s firing.
- The program faces a scramble to retain a No. 11 recruiting class amid two releases and a looming transfer portal.
- Current players can enter the portal Jan. 2‑16, and a search firm is working to find a permanent head coach before the end of the month.
Michigan’s situation illustrates how a coaching change can ripple through recruiting, player retention, and the entire program’s future.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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