Overview
- ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, and outgoing Utah coach Kyle Whittingham are the current prime targets, with no hire expected before or immediately after Christmas.
- Biff Poggi said he has interviewed multiple times with athletic director Warde Manuel and is openly campaigning to be named the permanent head coach.
- Poggi cautioned that as many as 25 players might not return from the holiday break, after previously identifying three Citrus Bowl opt-outs: Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Giovanni El-Hadi.
- With the transfer portal opening Jan. 2, Poggi said player financial agreements are paused because there is no permanent coach in place, increasing roster uncertainty.
- FootballScoop reported Michigan has vetted Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, though Thamel said Brohm was not in the program’s initial list of candidates, and FootballScoop also reported Jesse Minter has privately indicated he would not take the job right now.