Charlotte 49ers Part Ways with Head Coach Biff Poggi
Charlotte, NC – November 18, 2024
The University of Charlotte has announced that Biff Poggi is no longer the head coach of the 49ers football team. The decision follows a disappointing season that saw the team record four losses by 30 points, leaving them with a 3-7 overall record and a 2-4 mark in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Athletic Director Mike Hill made the announcement on Monday after Poggi completed his second season with a total record of 6-16.
Poggi’s dismissal came after a tough loss to South Florida on the program’s homecoming Saturday. Following the match, Poggi did not shy away from his own assessment of the team’s performance. “Terrible. It all starts with me,” he stated when asked to grade his performance as head coach. He acknowledged that the failures of the season fall squarely on his shoulders, indicating that the team reflects his choices. “I’d say my grade has been not good,” he admitted.
In a formal release, Hill expressed gratitude to Poggi for his efforts over the past two seasons. “I am thankful to Biff Poggi for his leadership and mentorship of our student-athletes,” Hill stated. He recognized Poggi’s unwavering passion for helping young individuals grow both personally and professionally. However, he also noted that the results on the field did not meet expectations.
With Poggi out, the team will turn to Associate Head Coach Tim Brewster, who has been named the interim head coach for the remaining two regular-season games. The search is now on for the Charlotte 49ers’ fourth head coach, marking the third coach chosen under Hill’s leadership, who was awarded a four-year contract extension recently, extending his tenure through 2030.
The 49ers’ performance this season has left fans and stakeholders disappointed. Following the homecoming loss, the team has struggled to find a consistent rhythm, and the overall outlook for the season is bleak. With only two games left, the interim coach Brewster will have the critical task of rallying the team and possibly making a case for the head coaching position if he succeeds in revitalizing the squad.
As the Charlotte 49ers look to the future, a new coach will be tasked with turning around a program that has seen its share of challenges. The incoming coach will not only need to focus on improving win-loss records but also on fostering a culture of growth and accountability among the student-athletes, akin to what Poggi aimed to achieve during his tenure.
While the future of the 49ers remains uncertain, the hope is that the program can learn from this period of struggle and emerge stronger. The search for a new head coach is set to begin, and it will be critical to find someone who can bring renewed energy and direction to the team.
As the search progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring that the football program not only competes but thrives within the competitive landscape of college football.
