The state of Michigan has two new coaches in the Big Ten this season, as both were hired within weeks of each other.
First, it was Michigan State Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald Dec. 1, while Kyle Whittingham's Ann Arbor arrival was this past Friday.
Nonetheless, though, the fallout from the hire has been overwhelmingly positive in and around the Wolverines football program, which included remarks from interim coach Biff Poggi.
"Michigan Football is in GREAT hands under Kyle Whittingham," Poggi wrote on 'X.' Proven winner, true gentleman, tough-nosed Michigan coach of days gone by. Great hire by Warde Manuel. The kids will love him. Exciting days ahead for Michigan. We have work to do over next five days. Texas is excellent. Go Blue."
Poggi's reaction is unsurprising, especially considering he was tasked with holding the team over in the wake of Sherrone Moore's firing.
"It has been a tumultuous time," Poggi recently told reporters. "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."
Poggi will coach the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl as the Wolverines play the Texas Longhorns. Ultimately, though, his players come first regardless of the game's outcome.
"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."
Poggi said, regardless of who suits up, he has the team's full support as the transition process rolls on.
"Because when they're inside that rectangle for those hours that were either in meetings or practicing, it's a bit of a sanctuary," Poggi said. "And a chance to not think about what is a constant barrage of media questions and things like that."
That "sanctuary" will commence in Orlando, Fla., on New Year's Eve with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.