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Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore earlier this month, prompting an extensive search for the program’s next leader.
Biff Poggi, a longtime fixture in college football, was named interim head coach after Moore was fired for what officials described as an “inappropriate relationship with an employee.” Poggi is not considered the odds-on favorite for the full-time job going forward.
Nevertheless, the longtime coach begins to argue for the job. The 65-year-old said returning to the sidelines, even amid chaotic circumstances, has rekindled his enthusiasm.
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Michigan acting head coach Biff Poggi waves to fans during warmups at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“It’s triggered it. I’ve been enjoying this,” Poggi said. “It’s been a big challenge, but it’s nice to be back as close to the kids as you are when you do this.” He will be on the sidelines when Michigan plays Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
While Poggi’s resume spans decades in football, his only Division I FBS head coaching experience came at Charlotte, and he has never led a Power Four program. Poggi worked as a football analyst for the Wolverines in 2016 before returning in 2021 as an associate head coach and advisor to then-head coach Jim Harbaugh.
EX-MICHIGAN STAR BACKS BIFF POGGI AS NEXT FOOTBALL COACH
According to multiple reports, Poggi is being considered for the full-time role and said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel interviewed him. Should an offer materialize, Poggi would not hesitate to accept.
“I’m being considered. I’ve had several interviews, several conversations,” Poggi said. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just appreciate being considered and we’ll see what happens.”
Sherrone Moore stands next to Warde Manuel, Michigan’s director of athletics, during a news conference at the Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (David Rodriguez Munoz/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
When asked what he believes is the biggest selling point he offers compared to other candidates, Poggi delivered a simple yet sharp answer.
“Because I know what the hell I’m doing.”
Michigan Football helmets on display behind the Blue Team bench during the Michigan Football Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Jaime Crawford/Getty Images)
He then pointed to his familiarity with Michigan’s football program.
“I have a long 10-year history of knowing this place. This place is really important to me. My wife and I had one, one of our boys played here (Henry Poggi). We have two daughters that most of you don’t know about who graduated from here. Or are graduating. This place has been great for them. One is a doctor. One is going to be a doctor and Henry’s power now. investment banker. This place is magical.”
“The program means a lot to me. It’s one of the things I want to fix before I go and smoke myself to death with cigars. It’s one of the things I want to fix. I want to fix this program.”
Michigan finished the regular season 9-3, losing the finale to archrival Ohio State.
