Biff Poggi stood at the microphone, the room quiet as he declared, “I want to fix this program.” The statement came after a season of turmoil, a coaching change, and a series of scandals that left Michigan’s football program in disarray.
The Turbulent Backdrop
Michigan’s 18th-ranked team was rocked two weeks ago when Sherrone Moore was fired. The university said Moore had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and prosecutors later charged him with three crimes. According to the charges, Moore “barged his way” into the apartment of a woman with whom he had been having an affair and threatened to kill himself.
Poggi was named interim head coach to prepare the Wolverines for the Citrus Bowl on December 31 against No. 14 Texas. He has made it clear that his interest extends beyond that single game.
> “I’m being considered,” Poggi said. “I’ve had multiple interviews. Nobody knows what’s going to happen.”
Poggi’s Vision and Ambitions
During the press conference, Poggi emphasized that the program was “broken” and that Michigan’s donors were generous enough to attract and retain talent in the new era of college athletics. He described the current state as a “malfunctioning organization” that needed a full reevaluation.
> “Everything that happens in this building has to be reevaluated, quite frankly, because it is not up to standard,” Poggi said. “The staff has to be re-evaluated – the coaches, the analysts – everybody in the building.”
Poggi’s goal is to restore the program’s reputation and performance. He added that the athletic director, Warde Manuel, has made it clear that the department will not tolerate further misconduct.
The Search for a New Leader
Michigan hired a search firm to identify a permanent head coach amid a challenging climate. The university’s efforts come after a coaching carousel that saw Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss to lead LSU. Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham used Michigan’s interest in him as leverage to secure a raise for him and his staff last weekend.
The search will consider candidates who can navigate the program’s probation status and rebuild trust among players, staff, and the fan base.
Program Under Investigation
Earlier this year, the NCAA placed Michigan’s football program on probation due to a sign-stealing scandal. Athletic director Warde Manuel said the penalties would cost the department more than $30 million.
Matt Weiss, who previously shared offensive coordinator duties with Moore, was charged with hacking into the computer accounts of thousands of college athletes to find intimate images. A judge entered a not-guilty plea earlier this year for the former Baltimore Ravens and Wolverines assistant coach.
Other Michigan football coaches and staffers have been arrested in recent years, further tarnishing the image of a school known for its academic reputation and athletic excellence.
Poggi’s Background
Poggi is in his fourth season at Schembechler Hall, where the team trains and coaches have offices. Former coach Jim Harbaugh hired him in 2016 as an analyst; Poggi left after one season to start a football program at a private high school in Baltimore. He returned in 2021 for a two-season stint as associate head coach before briefly taking a coaching position at Charlotte in the American Conference.
Poggi was fired a little more than a year ago during his second season there, ending with a 6-16 record. Moore brought him back last spring as associate head coach.
During this year, Poggi filled in for Moore when the latter was suspended for two games after breaking NCAA rules for a second time. Poggi led the Wolverines to wins at Nebraska and against Central Michigan.
The 66-year-old former offensive lineman at Pittsburgh-where Dan Marino and Hugh Greene were teammates-transferred to and graduated from Duke. He has coached at Brown, The Citadel, and Temple.
Poggi became wealthy as a hedge-fund manager and owns a hedge-fund run by his employees. He said, “When you’re in business, every day is game.”
Bowl Game and Player Status
The Wolverines will be without three key players for the bowl game. Edge rushers Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham and offensive guard Giovanni El-Hadi opted out to focus on preparing for the NFL. Backup quarterback Jadyn Davis plans to enter the portal next week. Former signees Matt Ludwig and Bear McWhorter asked for and were granted releases to enroll at other schools.
Bryce Underwood is waiting to see who Michigan’s next coach is before deciding his future. Poggi said he hopes the team’s starting quarterback chooses to stay for his sophomore season.
> “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.”
Key Takeaways
- Biff Poggi, interim head coach, is seeking a permanent role after leading the Wolverines into the Citrus Bowl.
- Michigan’s program is under NCAA probation and facing financial penalties exceeding $30 million.
- Multiple staff members, including former assistant Matt Weiss, have faced legal charges related to misconduct.
The Wolverines head into the Citrus Bowl with a roster missing several key players, while the university continues to search for a new permanent head coach who can restore the program’s integrity and competitiveness.
Closing
Michigan’s football program stands at a crossroads. With an interim coach eager to secure a permanent position, a search underway, and a series of scandals still unfolding, the next decision will shape the future of the Wolverines for years to come.
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