ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines interim head coach Biff Poggi described the unique and complex challenges his team faces following the Sherrone Moore saga as they prepare for the upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl vs. Texas.
“It’s been complicated,” Poggi said. “Our young people, our university, our athletic director, our team, our coaches, and our kids are all dealing with multiple levels of complexity.”
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Poggi has met individually with all players multiple times and held video calls with parents, emphasizing listening and understanding.
“My main message has been listening. I want to understand what the kids and their parents are feeling,” Poggi said. “There’s been a wide range of emotions, and we’re going through those steps. They’re not over yet, and I don’t expect them to be for a while.”
The mandate from athletic director Warde Manuel was clear: “Love and take care of the kids.”
Poggi said he has relied on his faith, kindness, and empathy to guide the team through this difficult time.
“There is no manual for this,” Poogi said. “But when we get inside that rectangle, it becomes our sanctuary. It’s time to go to work.”
Poggi explained that the team has changed up routines, meetings, and practice plans to adapt to the situation.
Playing football has helped the players cope.
“When they’re in meetings or practicing, it’s a bit of a sanctuary — a chance to not think about the constant barrage of media questions,” Poggi said.
Citrus Bowl
Regarding the upcoming game, Poggi said the players feel honored to compete in the 80th edition of the Citrus Bowl against a strong Texas team.
“It’s an honor to be here,” Poggi said. “Texas is a team many thought would be in the College Football Playoff. We’re excited.”
Poggi acknowledged that some players have considered opting out of the game due to the circumstances.
“We told them it’s a personal decision based on a very unique situation,” Poggi said. “We’re being sensitive and not forcing anyone.”
Poggi described the team’s emotional journey: disbelief, anger, and now feelings of betrayal.
“We’re trying to work through that with lots of arms around shoulders, listening, and showing love because words are cheap,” Poggi said.
Coaching philosophy
Poggi shared his coaching philosophy, contrasting transformational and transactional coaching.
“The word ‘coach’ comes from ‘carriage,’ meaning to take someone from where they are to where they want to be,” Poggi said. “We’re trying to be transformational — listening to where the players want to go and helping them get there.”
When asked about the impact of changing venues and getting out of town, Poggi said he hopes it will help shift the team’s mindset.
“I hope it is a big change for us,” Poggi said, though he couldn’t say for certain.
Sherrone Moore
Moore was fired on Wednesday (Dec. 10) due to having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel issued a statement on Moore’s firing.
“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately.
Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.
Biff Poggi has been appointed head football coach in an interim capacity, effective immediately."
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel
--> Warde Manuel still athletic director after U of M Regents meet, per reports
The Pittsfield Township Police Department said they responded to an alleged assault on Wednesday around 4 p.m., but did not identify Moore as the suspect in their official release.
Local 4 has confirmed Moore was taken into custody and lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending review of charges by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor.
Moore was reportedly placed in protective custody by mental health professionals overnight.
Hours later, prosecutors charged him with felony third-degree home invasion and two misdemeanors: stalking in a domestic relationship and breaking and entering.
On Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Moore posted a $25,000 bond after his arraignment on multiple charges.
Earlier this season, Poggi served as interim coach during Moore’s suspension for NCAA violations stemming from the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.