Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi said on Monday that players feel “angry” and “betrayed” following the firing and arrest of former coach Sherrone Moore.
“It has been a tumultuous time,” said Poggi during a media event in Orlando to promote the Wolverines’ upcoming appearance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. “First disbelief, then anger. Quite frankly, they feel very betrayed and we’re trying to work through that.”
When asked how he plans to work through those emotions with the players, Poggi said, “A lot of arms around shoulders, a lot of listening, a lot of telling them that you love them, but also showing it because words are cheap. That takes time.”
Moore was fired last Wednesday after the university announced it had evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Hours following his dismissal, the 39-year-old was arrested and booked for assault in the Washtenaw County Jail. He was later charged with felony third-degree home invasion and two misdemeanors, including stalking in a domestic relationship and breaking and entering.
Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel named Poggi interim coach for the bowl game.
The 65-year-old Poggi said it’s been challenging to get his team ready to face Texas at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 31.
“I don’t know that you can prepare for something like this,” Poggi said. “I’ll just say that it’s been complicated.”
Poggi mentioned that he had individual meetings with each player and their parents several times via Zoom. His main aim was to really listen to their thoughts and concerns.
“I want to understand what the kids and their parents are feeling,” Poggi explained. “There’s been a wide range of emotions, as you can imagine, and we’re going through those steps. They’re not over yet, and I don’t expect them to be over for a while.
“Our main message is the mandate that Warde Manuel gave me when he asked me to be the interim coach: love and take care of the kids. So, that’s what I’m spending all of my time doing.”
As Michigan begins preparations for the Longhorns, the Wolverines do so under a whole new routine, according to Poggi, from how they conduct their meetings to how they practice and when they do things. A change in routine will help create a bit of a sanctuary. The players can focus on football rather than worrying about a constant barrage of media questions.
Poggi said he’s been honest when speaking with players who are considering opting out of the game, whether to enter the transfer portal or to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft.
“What I’ve told them is this is a personal decision for you,” said Poggi. “It’s all based on a very unique situation, so we’re trying to be really sensitive to making sure we’re not forcing anybody into doing anything.”
Poggi served as Michigan’s associate head coach under Jim Harbaugh and Moore and previously served as an interim coach earlier this season, when Moore was suspended for two games for his involvement in the sign-stealing scandal.
Despite nearly 4 decades as a coach, nothing can prepare a coach to handle a situation like the one Poggi is facing now.
“There is no manual. I’ve relied on my faith. I’ve tried to rely on kindness and empathy, but also the realities that this is the world we’re living in right now and we have a game to play,” he said. “So when we get inside of that rectangle, that becomes kind of our sanctuary and it’s time to go to work.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
