CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte coach Biff Poggi was fired on Monday after going 6-16 in two seasons.
Charlotte lost 59-24 to South Florida on Saturday, its fourth loss by 30 or more points this season. The 49ers (3-7) have lost four straight games since beating East Carolina 55-24 on Oct. 6.
The school said it would conduct a national search for a new coach. Associate head coach Tim Brewster will serve as interim coach for the remaining two games of the season.
“I am thankful to Biff Poggi for his leadership and mentorship of our student-athletes over these past two seasons,” Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said in a statement. “No one can question Biff’s passion for helping young people succeed in life, both personally and professionally, but our on-field results have unfortunately fallen short of everyone’s expectations. As we move forward into the next chapter of Charlotte 49er football, we will be looking for a leader to take our program to the next level as a consistent bowl and championship contender.”
Prior to becoming a college football head coach, Poggi spent more than two decades leading high school programs in Maryland. Poggi was the head coach at Gilman from 1996-2015, and he worked as an assistant coach at the school from 1988-95. Poggi graduated from Gilman in 1979. The longtime coach also led St. Frances from 2017-20.
Despite success at the high school ranks and as an assistant at Michigan, Poggi struggled in his first college head coaching job. Charlotte went just 3-9 last season before limping to a 3-7 start this fall. Poggi’s team opened the season with a number of key players dealing with injuries, as Poggi suggested the team’s physical preseason practices led to some of the injury woes.
Charlotte also couldn’t find consistency at quarterback under Poggi, with three players throwing at least 50 passes this season. Freshman Deshawn Purdie, who played his high school football at Milford Mill, has been the most productive quarterback. Purdie has thrown team-high six touchdown passes this season.
Baltimore Sun staff contributed to this article.
Originally Published:
