Lloyd Carr Retires from University of Michigan

Source: Mlive.com

Lloyd Carr retired from coaching in January of 2008. After his 13 seasons as head coach, and 15 seasons prior to that as an assistant, he accepted a position within the athletic department as a associate athletic director.

As of September 1, after 30 years of dedicated service, he will officially retire his position with the department, and no longer work for the University of Michigan.

[Official UofM release]

Lloyd Carr via UofM media relations:

“I am thankful for the wonderful opportunity to assist two great coaches here in Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller and I will always appreciate Joe Roberson’s decision to name me the head coach in 1995,” said Carr. “I am also appreciative for those I worked with and for all the great friendships I have developed.

“Most of all, I am thankful for the young men I coached and for all the memories I have from my time at Michigan.”

More relevant quotations:

“Lloyd Carr's legacy is an impressive and important part of Michigan's rich history and tradition of excellence in football,” said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman.  “He has served the University as well through his advocacy and passion for a number of philanthropic causes. We are grateful for his long and successful service and wish him well in retirement.”

“I have known Lloyd since he came to Michigan as an assistant coach,” said Dave Brandon, U-M Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.  “Coach Carr is a man of integrity. I admire and appreciate his love for all of our student-athletes and his many contributions to not only our University, but his work on behalf of numerous charitable causes throughout the State of Michigan.”

UofM media relations for football director Dave Ablauf compiled some impressive numbers for M's 17th head coach...

CAREER COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
1995-2007: Overall record 122–40 (81-23 Big Ten)

Championships
1-National (1997)
5-Big Ten (1997–1998, 2000, 2003–2004)

Awards
AFCA Coach of the Year (1997)

Walter Camp Coach of the Year (1997)
Paul “Bear” Bryant Award (1997)

AFQ/Schutt Coach of the Year (1997)
Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame (1997)
Catholic League Hall of Fame (1997)
Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year (2007)
Robert R. Neyland Award (2008)

College Coaching
1976–77 Assistant (Eastern Michigan)
1978–79 Assistant  (Illinois)
1980–86 Defensive Backs  (Michigan)
1987–94 Defensive Coordinator (Michigan)
1995–2007 Head Coach (Michigan)

High School Coaching
1968-69 Assistant Nativity HS (Detroit)                                                                              
1970-73 Assistant Belleville (Mich.)                                                                                              
1973-75 Head coach Westland (Mich.) John Glenn

Regional Class A Coach of the Year (1975)  

No mention in the release about why he's officially retiring now and/or what spurred this decision. Maybe he just wants to do his own thing and not focus on sports as much anymore? Who knows? As most Michigan fans, I wonder about most personnel decisions within the department these days.

Either way, Lloyd was a great coach for Michigan. We have mentioned many times on this blog about how much we have missed him and how much his legacy means to not only the current coaching staff, but all coaching staffs to come. We will continue to miss you Lloyd. Enjoy your retirement...you've earned it!

Go Blue!