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Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore earlier this month, sparking a wide search for the program’s next leader.
Biff Poggi, a college football veteran, was named interim head coach after Moore was fired for what officials described as an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Poggi is not considered the favorite for the full-time position going forward.
However, the veteran coach is beginning to defend the position. The 65-year-old said returning to the bench, even under chaotic circumstances, has rekindled his enthusiasm.
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Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi greets fans during warmups at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“This has brought it on. I’ve enjoyed it,” Poggi said. “It’s been a big challenge, but it’s nice to be as close to the kids as you are when you do this.” He’ll be on the sidelines when Michigan faces 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 was at Charlotte, and he never led a Power Four program. Poggi worked as a football analyst for the Wolverines in 2016 before returning in 2021 as associate head coach and advisor to then-head coach Jim Harbaugh.
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According to multiple reports, Poggi is being considered for the full-time position and said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel interviewed him. Should an offer materialize, Poggi would not hesitate to accept it.
“I’m being considered. I’ve had multiple interviews, multiple conversations,” Poggi said. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just appreciate that they’re considering me and we’ll see what happens.”
Sherrone Moore stands with Warde Manuel, Michigan’s director of athletics, during a press conference inside the Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (David Rodríguez Muñoz/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
When asked what he thinks is the most compelling point he offers over other candidates, Poggi gave a simple but direct answer.
“Because I know what the hell I’m doing.”
Michigan football helmets displayed 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 noted his familiarity with the Michigan 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 someone, one of our sons, who played here (Henry Poggi). We have two daughters that most of you don’t know who graduated here. Or are graduating. This place has been fantastic for them. One is a doctor. The other will be a doctor. Henry, talk about the power of Michigan. Everyone remembers Henry. He’s an investment banker now. The place It’s magical.”
“The show means a lot to me. It’s one of the things I want to fix before I die smoking cigars. It’s one of the things I want to fix. I want to fix this show.”
Michigan finished the regular season 9-3, losing the finals to chief rival Ohio State.
