Poggi certainly would not be the flashiest hire, causing some Michigan fans to bring up concerns. But Connor Stalions took time to defend Poggi, specifically when it came to his record as Charlotte‘s head coach. Stalions wanted to provide context on the situation Poggi was dealing with.
“Anyone using Biff’s record at Charlotte as a reason why he shouldn’t be the head coach at Michigan is immediately disqualified from being taken seriously,” Stalions said via X.
“You can point to anything else you want to. But pointing to a record at a brand-new FBS program with extremely limited resources, competing in a conference against USF, Memphis, North Texas, Navy, and SMU (at the time), while also playing Florida and Maryland in the non-con, is just silly. I’m sorry, but Vince Lombardi, Bill Belichick, and Nick Saban wouldn’t go .500 if they all coached together with that schedule given what you’re working with there.”
Charlotte is the only time Poggi has been a full-time head coach at the collegiate level. Two games in place of a suspended Sherrone Moore did take place this season, winning them both. However, a pair of seasons for Poggi at Charlotte resulted in a 6-16 record.
As Stalions mentioned, Charlotte is still young when it comes to FBS experience. They made the jump in 2015 as a member of Conference USA. Poggi’s first season, 2023, was when another move to the American took place. There is only one bowl appearance in the 49ers’ history.