Michigan Football interim head coach Biff Poggi is a key figure in the short term, and this is what his top priority should be in his new role:
The Michigan Wolverines are entering a new era, as Athletics Director Warde Manuel fired head coach Sherrone Moore for cause on Wednesday for having an inappropriate relationship with a member of his staff.
Filling in for Moore on an interim basis is Biff Poggi, who is no stranger to the role — he filled in for Moore in two games this season and has been a steady, respected figure inside Schembechler Hall since his return to the program this season. He was also in Ann Arbor for a couple years under head coach Jim Harbaugh, serving as his main confidant.
But Poggi’s role is much different now than it was earlier this season. In fact, I would go as far to say he has one main responsibility that is far more important than anything he’s done previously in Ann Arbor.
He’s got to keep the program together.
Michigan doesn’t need Poggi to be the long-term answer, even if he is gunning for the full-time job, as On3’s Chris Balas ($) reported on Thursday. Instead, the program simply needs him to be the adult in the room during one of the most turbulent weeks in the history of the program.
Poggi’s job is pretty straightforward here, and it all starts with keeping the roster intact. Being able to keep core members of the program in town like Bryce Underwood, Jordan Marshall, Andrew Marsh and others is going to be huge in the long run for whoever takes over.
This also extends to the recruits that just signed with the program during the early signing period last week. Being able to hang onto most of the 2026 recruiting class — especially key players like five-star running back Savion Hiter, five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows and others — is vital. The Wolverines already lost four-star tight end Matt Ludwig, as he was released from his letter of intent on Thursday afternoon. Hopefully there aren’t many more major losses moving forward.
All in all, keeping the foundation of the roster strong is of the utmost importance.
When/if Poggi is able to do that, his next job would then be guiding the players through the transition to the next head coach. He is more than capable of doing this having been one of the most universally respected figures on staff, often serving as a mentor more than a coach. Poggi connects with players, speaks directly, and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He is also a steady hand and a calming presence who can command the room, maintain trust and prevent mass panic. That is exactly what Michigan needs right now during a tumultuous time that could easily fracture the locker room.
If he succeeds, he’ll give Michigan exactly what it needs most — calm in the midst of a terrible storm, and a foundation strong enough for whoever takes the job next.
Category: General Sports
