The Charlotte 49ers took a massive swing when they hired Biff Poggi in 2022. Jim Harbaugh’s right hand man was endorsed by some of the sport’s most influential power brokers, and his appointment in the Queen City was universally praised by those who knew him at Michigan and during his time coaching high school in the DMV. On Monday evening, Poggi was fired, and like many of Charlotte's attempts to take bold swings at improving their football program, they once again found themselves on their backs like Charlie Brown, duped by Lucy as the football was pulled away.
This article isn’t about rehashing the Poggi era. It was a tenure defined by fashion choices and braggadocios voices rather than winning football, ultimately leading to the premature end of Biff’s time in Charlotte. Instead, we’re here to look at what’s next. Here are a few potential candidates to become the fourth full-time head football coach in Charlotte’s history.
Brennan Marion - UNLV offensive coordinator
It has been reported that the runner-up to Poggi in 2022 was Barry Odom, the current head coach at UNLV who was hired in the same cycle. Did someone say “swing and a miss” earlier? Charlotte could right that wrong by hiring Odom’s protégé Brennan Marion.
UNLV’s aptly named “Go-Go” offense has taken the west coast by storm. The Runnin’ Rebels cracked the AP Top 25 in the early season due to their electric offense despite drama at the game’s most important position because their offensive identity under Marion is so secure. For a Charlotte program that has lacked any semblance of an identity for its entire existence, going all-in on one side of the ball in this cycle would be a wise choice.
Tim Banks - Tennessee defensive coordinator
The Tennessee Volunteers of the 2020’s have been defined by Josh Heupels eccentric offensive mind. The former national champion quarterback’s field-tilting, über-wide formations receive most of the pub in Knoxville, but anyone who has watched the Vols in 2024 knows that Banks is the key to the program’s top ten ranking.
Banks is leading one of the most complete defensive units in the country. In an SEC loaded with fearsome front sevens, Tennessee’s may have the gnarliest teeth. Banks has developed elite defensive line talent and schemed around a lack of secondary talent, firmly entrenching himself in head coaching talks due to his well-rounded defensive mind.
Andy Kotelnicki - Penn State offensive coordinator
This is the pie in the sky hire. Kotelnicki is one of the country’s foremost offensive minds; a rising name in coaching circles that has transformed moribund units in Lawrence, Kansas and State College, Pennsylvania. Kotelnicki is likely too rich for Mike Hill’s blood, but his ability to scheme up an elite offense would absolutely fill up seats in the 49ers expanded stadium.
Steve Wilks - Charlotte football advisor
The 49ers can do what the Carolina Panthers failed to do. Wilks, a former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach, has vast college experience. Before jumping to the big leagues, Wilks spent a decade coaching numerous college programs in various roles. He knows the city, he’d be the polar opposite of Poggi when it comes to culture and up-front messaging (in a good way), and he’d bring a schematic advantage on defense to Charlotte that they’ve never had in their short history.
Alex Atkins - Former Florida State offensive coordinator
Hunter Bailey of the Charlotte Observer is all over this one. Atkins coordinated the 49ers offense to their only bowl game appearance in program history, leading the Niners to glory behind a road grating offensive line that protected legendary quarterback Chris Reynolds, allowing him to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball to his bevy of weapons. Atkins formula had Florida State on the precipice of the College Football Playoff last season before he was dismissed due to the Seminole's abysmal 2024 offensive performance. He'd be welcomed back to Charlotte with open arms if he can recreate the magic that the program had in his lone season as a Niner.
