Sherrone Moore names Biff Poggi interim Michigan coach during two-game suspension

Biff Poggi will serve as Michigan‘s interim head coach against Central Michigan on Saturday, as Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore serves the first game of his self-imposed two-game suspension, per On3’s Anthony Broome. Poggi will also serve as Michigan’s interim coach against Nebraska on Sept. 20.

Poggi joined Michigan’s staff as an associate head coach this offseason after being fired by Charlotte. In his two seasons as Charlotte’s head coach, Poggi led the 49ers to a 6-16 overall record and a 4-10 mark in conference play.

Moore’s suspension is a result of alleged off-campus scouting violations. Moore deleted 52 texts with former Michigan assistant coach Connor Stalions, who was at the center of the program’s sign-stealing scandal.

Those texts were later recovered and didn’t indicate Moore knew the extent of Stalions’ actions. Nonetheless, the NCAA leveled a two-year show-cause order on Moore, and suspended Moore from Michigan’s season-opener in 2026.

“The provisions of this suspension require that Moore not be present in the facility where the contests are played and have no contact or communication with football coaching staff members or student-athletes during the suspension period,” the NCAA’s report stated.

“For the 2025-26 season, the prohibition includes all coaching activities for the period of time that begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the first contest from which he is suspended and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the day of the last contest of that season’s suspension… During that period, Moore may not participate in any coaching activities, including but not limited to team travel, practice, video study, recruiting and team meetings.”

Simply put, Moore won’t be allowed to participate in any coaching activities starting from Sept. 13-20. Notably, Moore won’t be able to help Michigan prepare for their Big Ten-opener against Nebraska because of the suspension.

“I am glad that this part of the process has been completed,” Moore said at the time of the NCAA’s ruling. “I greatly respect the rules governing collegiate athletics and it is my intent to have our program comply with those rules at all times I will continue to focus my attention on our team and the upcoming 2025 season.”

Moore’s decision for Biff Poggi to be Michigan’s interim surprised some fans. Many of the Michigan faithful expected either offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey or defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to lead the Wolverines in Moore’s absence.

Michigan will need to bounce back this week after falling to Oklahoma 24-13 this past weekend. The Wolverines will square off against Central Michigan at noon ET on Saturday. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network.