Michigan is making headlines in the college football world by bringing in a well-known name to its coaching staff. Under the leadership of Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are set to officially welcome former Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi. This move is generating excitement among fans and analysts alike, as Poggi has a rich history with the program.
Biff Poggi Returns to Michigan
After a challenging two-year stint as the head coach at Charlotte, where he recorded a 3-9 record in his first season and a 3-7 in his second, Poggi is returning to familiar territory. His time at Charlotte may not have been the most successful, but his previous experience at Michigan is invaluable. Poggi served as the associate head coach under Jim Harbaugh from 2021 to 2022 and even worked as an analyst at Michigan in 2016. This background suggests that his transition back to the Wolverines should be seamless, although the specific role he will take on remains to be clarified.
Poggi’s Coaching Journey
Biff Poggi’s coaching career began in 1987 as an assistant at The Citadel. He then spent an impressive 27 years at the Gilman School in Maryland, where he held various roles from 1988 to 2015. Following this, he took on the challenge of leading Saint Frances Academy in Maryland from 2017 to 2020 before returning to Michigan in 2021. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and skills that he will bring back to the Wolverines.
Confirmation of Hire
The news of Poggi’s impending hire was first reported by 247Sports’ Alejandro Zuniga, and it was later confirmed by On3’s Clayton Sayfie. Sayfie even shared a screenshot of a directory listing that featured Poggi’s name, further solidifying the announcement. This confirmation has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Michigan fans, who are eager to see how Poggi will contribute to the team’s success moving forward.
Looks like Biff Poggi is back as a University of Michigan staffer
Poggi was the associate head coach under Jim Harbaugh. He was Charlotte’s head coach from 2023-24.
Poggi is about as well-liked as anyone in the business.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) February 3, 2025
Former Michigan Players Join Suit Against NCAA
In a separate but significant development, more than 300 former Michigan football players have joined a lawsuit against the NCAA and Big Ten. This lawsuit, which was initially filed by former standouts Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards, alleges that the NCAA, Big Ten, and Big Ten Network used the players’ names, images, and likenesses without permission. This class-action suit includes nearly 340 former players, including notable names like Anthony Carter, Mark Messner, and Jarrett Irons.
The 73-page lawsuit argues that the NCAA and Big Ten Network have profited significantly from the players’ performances over the years. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Jim Acho, emphasized that many former players wanted to join the suit out of principle, stating, “Money was made off their backs, they were denied the right to use their name and image, and everybody knew decades ago it was wrong.”
The Impact of the Lawsuit
This lawsuit highlights a growing concern among former athletes regarding their rights and compensation. The NCAA, Big Ten, and Big Ten Network have already filed a motion to dismiss the suit, but the implications of this case could reverberate throughout college athletics. As more players speak out and demand recognition for their contributions, the landscape of college football may be on the brink of significant change.
In the world of college football, the return of Biff Poggi to Michigan is a story worth following. With his extensive background and connections to the program, he could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Wolverines. Meanwhile, the ongoing lawsuit involving former players adds another layer of intrigue to the Michigan football narrative. As fans, we can only wait to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of college football. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher!
