ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines interim head coach Biff Poggi has entered his name into the coaching carousel, and he seems to be the man for the job.
Poggi confirmed on Monday (Dec. 22) that he is being considered for the position and has had multiple interviews, but remains uncertain about the outcome.
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“I’m being considered. I’ve had multiple interviews, multiple conversations.” Poggi added, “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.”
Poggi drew on his experience in hedge fund management to highlight the need for nimbleness and strong leadership in college football coaching today.
“When you’re in business, every day is game day,” Poggi said.
Poggi said college football has changed drastically in the last two years, “a 180-degree change.”
He believes the head coaching job now requires CEO skills to run what are essentially multi-billion-dollar corporations.
“You need somebody that knows how to run them, somebody that knows how to keep them straight, and somebody that does not put the brand of the business in jeopardy,” Poggi said. “To me, it’s got nothing to do with it. You can hire coaches, put it that way.”
If named head coach, Poggi said he would re-evaluate everything in the program, including staff, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and medical support.
When asked what he would want the Michigan football program to look like on and off the field if named head coach, Biff Poggi joked,
“I would first of all, like a Maize & Blue Batman suit to wear to the office every day,” Poggi said.
Poggi then got serious, saying everything in the building needs to be re-evaluated because it is not up to standard.
He said the staff—including coaches, analysts, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and medical teams—needs review, except for David Ablauf, in a joking manner.
Poggi described the program as a “malfunctioning organization” over the past five years, with issues every year.
He noted that athletic director Warde Manuel has made it clear that no more problems will be tolerated.
“If I am named the coach, which again I don’t know if I am, there will be a massive self-examination of what happens in this building, and you can expect a lot of changes,” Poggi said.
Poggi acknowledged the program has had ongoing issues over the past five years and promised a “massive self-examination” and changes if given the role.
He said the team had lost the fun of playing football due to long, inefficient practices and meetings.
Poggi said the recent changes have made practices more enjoyable and productive, with players and coaches having a blast.
He rejected the idea that the program needs to be “blown up,” but emphasized the importance of fresh evaluation and continuous improvement to avoid falling behind.
On the coaching search timeline, Poggi said Manuel hopes to have a decision by the bowl game or shortly after the Christmas holiday.
When questioned about the coaching staff dynamics and how recent issues went unnoticed, Poggi said the staff was shocked when informed and that there is some anger among adults as well.
Poggi summarized why Michigan should hire him: his deep knowledge of the program, personal connection through his family, and commitment to fixing the program before retiring.
Poggi summarized why Michigan should hire him: his deep knowledge of the program, personal connection through his family, and commitment to fixing the program before retiring.
When asked why Michigan should hire him, Poggi responded bluntly, “Because I know what the hell I’m doing.”
Poggi highlighted his 10-year history with the university and its importance to him personally.
He shared that one of his sons, Henry, played for Michigan, and that two of his daughters have graduated or are graduating from the school.
“This place has been great to them. One’s a doctor. One’s going to be a doctor,” Poggi said.
Poggi called Michigan “magical” and said the program means a lot to him.
“It’s one of the things I want to fix before I go smoke myself to death with cigars,” Poggi added. “I want to fix this program.”
Marlin Klein
Speaking from a player’s perspective, tight end Marlin Klein acknowledged the challenge of keeping focus amid transfer rumors but credited the team’s leadership in Poggi.
“Coach Poggi is a legend, everybody loves him,” Klein said. “The vibe in the building has been awesome.”
Klein expressed strong support for coach Poggi as the next head coach.
“He truly cares about the people within the building,” Klein said. “He’s a Michigan man and loves it here. I do believe he’s the best fit for the younger guys and the locker room.”
Klein said Poggi’s leadership has helped rally the team.
“He checks up on us, takes care of us in practice,” Klein said. “Practice has been fun. It’s been so fun these past four days just getting back on the field.”
Klein concluded by expressing optimism for the future and the upcoming game.
“Just looking forward to the 31st,” Klein said.
--> Michigan football tight end Marlin Klein backs Biff Poggi as programs next head coach