NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore earlier this month, sparking a massive search for the program’s next leader.
Biff Poggi, a longtime college football standout, was named interim head coach after Moore came under fire for what officials described as an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Poggi is not considered the favorite for the full-time job in the future.
Nonetheless, the longtime coach is starting to make his case for the job. The 65-year-old said his return to the bench, even in chaotic circumstances, had rekindled his enthusiasm.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi greets fans during warmups at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 13, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“That sparked it. I enjoyed that,” 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’re doing this.” He will be on the sideline when Michigan plays Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Although Poggi’s resume spans decades in football, his only Division I FBS head coaching experience was 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 SUPPORTS BIFF POGGI AS NEXT HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
According to multiple reports, Poggi is being considered for the full-time position and said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel interviewed him. If an offer materializes, Poggi would not hesitate to accept it.
“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 Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel during a news conference at the Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (David Rodriguez Munoz/USA TODAY NETWORK/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
When asked what he believes is the best-selling argument he offers compared to other candidates, Poggi provided a simple but precise answer.
“Because I know what 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 emphasized his familiarity with the Michigan football program.
“I have a 10-year history of knowing this place. This place is really important to me. My wife and I had someone, one of our boys 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 great to them. One is a doctor. The other is going to be a doctor. Henry, talk about the power of Michigan. You all remember Henry. He’s now an 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 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 arch-rival Ohio State.
