Monday, November 19, 2007 will mark an end of an era for the Michigan Wolverine football program. Once thought of as the man to restore pride in a program that fell on hard times, Lloyd Carr will anounce his retirement. Having replaced Gary Moeller thirteen years ago, Carr displayed a cockiness and swagger few had seen since the days of Bo Schembechler. Carr will be remembered for both his dominance of former Ohio State Coach, John Cooper, but also for his dismal record against current OSU Coach, Jim Tressel.
Few can argue the success that Carr had both on the field and off the field as well. The Wolverines were co-national champions in 1997. He recruited two Heisman Trophy winners. The Wolverines won four Big Ten Championships under his reign. His graduation rate was second to none nationally and led the Big Ten in every year accept for two.
He was loved by his players and other coaches that competed against him. Three of Michigan's best players turned down millions last year to return for their senior seasons. Mike Hart, Chad Henne, and Jake Long were certain first round picks in last year's NFL draft. Instead they chose to return to school in hopes of defeating Ohio State and have a chance at the National Championship. Instead, in the first game of the season, Appalation State, a Division I-AA school went into the Big House and not only shocked Michigan, but the world as well. Considered by many as the biggest upset of all time, the Michigan season never seemed to get on course. The following week they suffered another defeat, this time to Oregon, also in the Big House. Dating back to the OSU game last season, this would mark the fourth straight defeat for Michigan, including the Bowl Game. This past Saturday, Carr and the Wolverines lost again to the Sweater Vest and the Buckeyes. In reality, the writing has been on the wall for some time. In today's game of college football, if you can not beat your arch rival, you better have your resume ready.
Similar to Cooper, Carr will be remembered for his inability to defeat the rival in the Big Game. Unlike Cooper, however, Michigan fans will remember Carr with love and adoration for the years of smiles he and his teams provided. While Cooper will be thought of as a punch line to many jokes, Carr will be thought of as the second best coach in Michigan history next to Bo. Somewhere, Woody has to be smiling feeling somewhat victorious in the rivalry, once again.
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