Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi is a character and he showed exactly why earlier this week.
Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi is a dude's dude. He's in a very tough spot as the coach tasked with picking up the pieces following the Sherrone Moore fallout at Michigan and so far, he's doing a phenomenal job. He's like everyone's "Italian uncle" per himself and he wrapping his arms around the entire program as the Wolverines prepare for their bowl showdown against Texas.
Earlier this week, Poggi went on a Texas-based podcast called The Stampede, which is hosted by Bob Ballou, Mack Brown, and Vince Young. It's obviously mostly for Texas fans, and probably the staff, and Poggi definitely knew that.
After meeting with the Michigan media on Monday, where he said that only three players would be opting out of the bowl game, Poggi said on The Stampede on Wednesay that up to 25 other players may not make the trip to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl.
Those comments of course sent the Michigan fanbase and media into a complete tizzy as no one could figure out what happened over the course of two days.
It turns out, nothing happened. Michigan arrived in Orlando with its full complement of players. Biff Poggi intentionally said that a couple dozen players might opt out in order to give Texas something to think about.
Allegedly.
Some people will say that that's not what happened, but it very clearly is what happened. Saying on Monday that only three players will be out, then saying that it could be 25, only to show up in Florida with just those three original players not in attendance isn't a coincidence. Obviously, if Poggi was genuinely worried about attrition and was concerned about maybe 25 players opting out, there would've been some additional athletes gone. But not one more player decided to enter the portal. That means that Poggi knew all along that he'd have his whole team in tow.
During Michigan's first practice of bowl week down in Florida, Poggi was cheerful, focused and all smiles while walking around the field. He was talking to everyone — members of the media, Michigan support sfaffers, players and coaches — pretty much nonstop.
Michigan associate athletic director and general manager Sean Magee called Biff the perfect person for the Wolverines right now. He said that Poggi has a gift for making everyone feel like an equal and like he's one of them.
Those qualities are exactly why Michigan is nearly intact for Wednesday's bowl game. Poggi said said last week that the players felt betrayed and that they were confused, yet in short order, the 66-year old has calmed everyone down and provided some clarity. And it's all because of how he approaches seemingly everything. He's calm, cool and collected even during this tumultuous time. If you meet Biff for the first time, you'll feel like you've known him forever. That effect has washed over the Wolverines and given them hope in what felt like a hopeless situation over the past couple of weeks.
Of course now Kyle Whittingham has been announced as Michigan's new head coach and he'll meet with the team tonight before speaking with the media tomorrow. Until he takes completely over, the Wolverines are in great hands with Poggi.