Michigan football interim head coach Biff Poggi addressed the media on Monday for the first time since the firing and arrest of the team’s former coach Sherrone Moore. He noted the impact that the situation’s had on the team.
“It has been a tumultuous time,” Poggi said. “A lot of … first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed, and we’re trying to work through that.”
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Moore was fired last week after a university investigation found that he was in an “inappropriate relationship” with a team staffer. He was arrested after an alleged incident at the woman’s house following his firing.
The incredibly unique situation has put stress on the team, but Poggi says he’s focused on helping players process everything.
“I don’t know that you can prepare for something like this,” Poggi said. “It’s been complicated. I want to listen to them. I want to understand what the kids are feeling and what their parents are feeling, and so a lot of listening, and there’s been a wide range of emotions, and we are going through those steps.”
Before joining Michigan in February, Poggi was the head coach at Charlotte for two seasons.
Monday’s media availability was ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas, a game in which Poggi says the team is giving players the freedom to opt in or out of.
Those who decide to play are set to kick off against the Longhorns at 3:00 p.m. EST on Dec 31.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
