Biff Poggi eyes full-time job amid Michigan’s head coaching search
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Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore earlier this month, sparking a wide-ranging search for the program’s next leader.
Biff Poggi, a longtime fixture in college football, was appointed interim head coach after Moore became enraged over what officials described as an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Poggi is not seen as the clear favorite for the full-time job going forward.
However, the long-time coach is starting to stake his claim for the job. The 65-year-old said returning to the sidelines, even under chaotic conditions, reignited his enthusiasm.
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Acting Michigan head coach Biff Poggi waves to fans during warm-ups at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK, via Imagn Images)
“That got him fired up. I enjoyed it,” Poggi said. “It was a big challenge but it was great to be so close to the kids again while doing it.” He’ll be on the sidelines when Michigan faces Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Although Poggi’s resume in football spans decades, his only head coaching experience in the Division I FBS was at Charlotte, and he has never managed a Power Four program. Poggi worked as a football analyst for the Wolverines in 2016 and returned in 2021 as an assistant head coach and advisor to then-head coach Jim Harbaugh.
FORMER MICHIGAN STAR SUPPORTS BIFF POGGI AS NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
According to multiple reports, Poggi is being considered for the full-time job and Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has interviewed him. If an offer came true, Poggi would accept it without hesitation.
“I’m being evaluated. I’ve had a lot of interviews, a lot of interviews,” Poggi said. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just appreciate the consideration 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 his best selling feature over other candidates, Poggi gave a simple but meaningful answer.
“Because I know what I’m doing.”
Michigan Football helmets are 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 10-year long history of knowing about this place. This place is really important to me. One of my wife and I’s boys played here (Henry Poggi). We have two daughters that most of you don’t know, graduated from here. Or are graduating. This place has been very good for them. One of them is a doctor. One of them will be a doctor. Henry, talk about the power of Michigan. All of you remember Henry. He is an investment now. Banker, this place is magical.”
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“The program means a lot to me. It’s one of the things I want to fix before I smoke myself to death with a cigar. It’s one of the things I want to fix. I want to fix this program.”
Michigan finished the regular season 9-3 and lost the finals to its biggest rival, Ohio State.
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