Lloyd Carr’s legacy should be as one of the greatest football coaches ever at the University of Michigan, and during his particular era in all of college football.
He represented this state well. His teams won a lot more than they lost. He delivered a national title, several conference titles and many victories over Ohio State. And he did it the right way.
The football program was in good hands when Lloyd Carr was the head coach. He did a terrific job of carrying on the tradition set by Bo Schembechler - and those before Bo.
What I don’t understand is why it has broken down since for Carr. He announced his retirement from his position in the athletic department Monday, and the buzz about it wasn’t necessarily his triumphs as head coach, but of bickering.
Carr was openly criticized last football season by all-time Michigan great Rick Leach for not supporting current head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Carr publicly criticized Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh - as did then-Michigan player Mike Hart and then-university employee and former Michigan player Jamie Morris - prior to Carr’s last season as head coach in 2007. Harbaugh, a former Michigan standout QB, who has had stunning success at Stanford, seems to be the logical replacement should Rodriguez not succeed.
Carr reportedly wasn’t pleased with Les Miles, the LSU coach and a former Michigan player, over recruiting practices. Miles, who won a national title at LSU, would, too, seem to be a candidate should Rodriguez, who has a 3-13 Big Ten record in his two seasons at UM thus far, not last in his position.
I hope it doesn’t stain Carr’s legacy. That time somehow heals any wounds that have been inflicted during what has been a tumultuous couple years at Michigan.
Carr did too much for Michigan football, and this state, to not be remembered fondly.