Unknown Facts of Biff Poggi: Everything We Know About Michigan’s Interim Coach

Biff Poggi has returned to national headlines after Michigan named him interim head coach on December 10, 2025. The move came hours after the university dismissed Sherrone Moore for cause following an internal investigation. Poggi now steps in for the second time this season as Michigan prepares for the Citrus Bowl.

The appointment places an experienced but unconventional leader at the center of one of college football’s most scrutinized programs. His background, career path, and earlier interim stints have renewed interest in who he is and how he will guide the Wolverines through a turbulent transition.

Key Details About Biff Poggi’s Career and Leadership Role

Poggi, 65, has built a wide-ranging coaching career that spans high school powerhouses, college programs, and administrative roles. He previously served Michigan as an analyst in 2016 and as associate head coach from 2021 to 2022 under Jim Harbaugh. Michigan brought him back in November 2024 to again serve as associate head coach under Moore.

Earlier this year, Poggi led the Wolverines to a 2-0 record in Weeks 3 and 4 while Moore completed a self-imposed suspension tied to the sign-stealing case involving former staffer Connor Stalions. His familiarity with the roster and infrastructure made him a logical selection after Moore’s termination. Michigan’s statement noted it found “credible evidence” that Moore violated university policy, prompting an immediate leadership shift.

Poggi’s coaching roots began in Baltimore, where he became one of the most influential high school coaches in the region. He led Gilman School and later St. Frances Academy to national recognition, establishing a pipeline of Division I talent. Multiple national outlets, including AP and USA TODAY, have described him as a culture builder with strong developmental instincts.

Poggi’s college head-coaching tenure includes two seasons at Charlotte, where the 49ers posted a 6-16 record before his dismissal. While the results were inconsistent, his time there was marked by program rebuilding during administrative turnover. His return to Michigan in 2024 suggested the university valued stability and internal continuity more than recent win-loss performance.

Poggi now assumes interim control with the Wolverines at 9-3 and preparing to face Texas on December 31 in the Citrus Bowl. His leadership is expected to focus on maintaining structure and minimizing disruption as Michigan evaluates long-term coaching candidates.

How Biff Poggi’s Leadership Could Shape Michigan’s Next Steps

Poggi’s established relationships with players and staff provide Michigan with short-term stability during a chaotic period. His earlier interim success this season offers a template for steadying the program’s operations and messaging heading into a high-profile bowl appearance.

Long-term implications extend beyond the December 31 matchup. Michigan must assess roster continuity, staff retention, and recruiting communication following Moore’s dismissal. The coaching market is evolving rapidly with several major jobs already filled, leaving the Wolverines with a narrower field of permanent candidates. Poggi provides breathing room while the administration evaluates its next strategic move.

Poggi’s role is temporary, but his presence is critical as Michigan navigates an unexpected leadership crisis. His experience, internal trust, and prior interim success offer the Wolverines a stabilizing path as they prepare for the next chapter in 2026.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Biff Poggi’s coaching background?

He coached top high school programs in Baltimore before joining Michigan as an analyst in 2016. He later served as associate head coach under Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore.

Q2: Why was Biff Poggi named interim coach?

Michigan appointed him after firing Sherrone Moore for cause following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Q3: Has Poggi coached Michigan before?

Yes. He coached two games earlier this season during Moore’s suspension and won both contests.

Q4: What is Poggi’s college head-coaching record?

He coached Charlotte for two seasons, finishing with a 6-16 record before being dismissed.

Q5: Will Poggi be Michigan’s permanent head coach?

He is considered a short-term solution. Michigan is expected to explore long-term candidates after the bowl game.