Michigan’s interim head football coach Biff Poggi recently addressed local reporters regarding the Wolverines’ upcoming Citrus Bowl match against Texas in Orlando, Florida. Initially, Poggi stated that only three players—seniors Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Gio El-Hadi—planned to opt out of the game. However, during a subsequent appearance on a Texas-focused podcast, he revealed a shift in expectations, suggesting that the team could face a significantly depleted roster with potentially at least 25 players choosing not to participate.
Poggi stepped into the interim role following the abrupt firing of head coach Sherrone Moore on December 10 due to an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Currently, Michigan is actively searching for a new head coach, while investigations into the athletic department and football program are ongoing. Poggi has expressed interest in the permanent position.
On the podcast, Poggi acknowledged the current atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the program, which may nudge more players to opt out. “We sent them home for Christmas on Monday, and I think there’s a really good chance that we’re going to have many more opt-outs for the game, unfortunately,” he mentioned. He cited the turmoil within the coaching staff and the investigations as influencing factors, stating, “I don’t know who’s going to coach me. Why do I want to play in that game?”
The situation has left Poggi and the team in a precarious position. He anticipates that the roster could change significantly by the time the team returns from their Christmas break on December 26, just days before the bowl game. He pointed out that agents might advise players to skip the bowl game due to the instability in the coaching staff. Additionally, Michigan’s athletic director Warde Manuel informed parents that no player contract renegotiations would occur until a new coach is appointed.
Despite the challenges, Poggi remains committed to ensuring the team competes in the Citrus Bowl. “We’re coming, and we will play hard,” he said, emphasizing the importance of giving their all against a formidable opponent. “I want them to be able to say the rest of their lives we went, we played really hard against a great opponent,” he added.
As the players prepare to return to practice in Florida, the focus remains on the forthcoming match against Texas, even amidst the upheaval within the program.