When No. 21 Michigan interim head coach Biff Poggi stepped up to lead the Wolverines against Central Michigan in Week 3, fans were reminded of his long, winding football journey. But it was his candid remarks about his relationship with the legendary Nick Saban that caught national attention.
Poggi’s storytelling not only revealed his history with the Alabama legend but also verified one of Saban’s more unusual claims about him.
Biff Poggi Details the Ferrari Deal That Never Happened
During a recent interview, Poggi reflected on his friendship with the seven-time national champion. While many in college football practically bow at the feet of Saban, Poggi made it clear he approaches their relationship differently.
“I know everyone genuflects to the greatest college football coach ever, but not me,” Poggi said.
“And I will tell you that we’ve been friends a long time. And I don’t know, he called me five or six years ago, and he goes, ‘Hey, guess what? I’ve been chosen for a Ferrari dealership.’ I said, ‘Oh man, congratulations. Let me be the first guy to buy a car from you.’”
Nick Saban: “When you were at Saint Frances, I never saw you coach a down… You were Jerry Jones. You paid the players and all that… Are you using the same philosophy at Michigan now?”
Biff Poggi: “Yeah, and I learned all that from you.” #CFB pic.twitter.com/nCzdWMualE
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 20, 2025
That car? The Ferrari 812 Superfast. But Poggi claims the transaction never came close to happening.
“I will have a beard down to my knees before I see that 812,” Poggi joked, suggesting he never received the car.
The anecdote not only highlighted the lighter side of Poggi and Saban’s friendship but also gave fans a glimpse of the off-field connections that link two of college football’s most colorful figures.
Saban’s Sharp Quip and Poggi’s Blunt Reply
Their bond isn’t just about cars and inside jokes. In another conversation, Saban poked fun at Poggi’s reputation from his days at Saint Frances Academy, where he was accused of taking a “Jerry Jones” approach by paying players and building powerhouse high school teams.
“When you were at Saint Frances, I never saw you coach a down,” Saban said. “You were Jerry Jones. You paid the players and all that. Are you using the same philosophy at Michigan now?”
Without missing a beat, Poggi fired back, “Yeah, and I learned all that from you.”
Biff recruited me to St.Frances after my freshman year of HS. Absolutely legendary dude. But Nick didn’t lie, Biff definitely “took care” of his guys at St.Frances 😂 https://t.co/3IAAR17Fsf
— LandonTengwall (@LandonTengwall) September 20, 2025
The exchange showcased Poggi’s quick wit and cemented their relationship’s authenticity. Even former recruits like Landon Tengwall chimed in on social media, confirming Poggi’s reputation for “taking care of his guys” during his St. Frances days.
What It Means for Michigan’s 2025 Season
While the Saban-Poggi banter grabbed headlines, the bigger story remains Michigan’s performance on the field. Poggi, who previously served under Jim Harbaugh before a two-year stint at Charlotte, is back in Ann Arbor helping guide the Wolverines through a transitional period.
KEEP READING: Biff Poggi Quit High School Role For Jim Harbaugh as He Addresses New Bryce Underwood Approach
Michigan, ranked No. 21, dismantled in-state Central Michigan 63-3 under Poggi’s interim leadership. But the true test comes in their Big Ten opener against Nebraska this Saturday. The Cornhuskers sit at 3-0, and oddsmakers list Michigan as a slim -1.5 road favorite.
If Poggi can steady the ship through this early Big Ten clash, head coach Sherrone Moore will return in two weeks after next Saturday’s bye with momentum heading into a critical matchup against Wisconsin.
For now, Poggi has proven he can handle both the spotlight and the sidelines, even if his Ferrari is still nowhere to be found.
