Carr's retirement

"They were probably cheering like hell," Lloyd Carr said when asked how his players felt when he met with the team to announce his retirement yesterday.

But other than a few jokes, it was a sad moment, hearing Carr announce his retirement. But, didn't it sort of sound like a Lifetime Achievement Award speech at the Academy Awards? Carr thanked everyone but God (thankfully), but remained extremely classy in his departure.

Carr really did mean a lot to college football. He remained true while many other programs fell to the popular curves and quick fixes. I really enjoyed his comments on how coaches, specifically in today's collegiate world, have to take much more responsibility for his players and help them understand how life works, rather than just baby them and cover up whatever problems they may have.

You probably realize by now that I'm writing this as Carr is on TV live. Something I just noticed on screen is how ESPN made sure to let viewers know that UM was held to 91 total yards versus Ohio State. That was a bitch move if I ever saw one. Is it really necessary, under these circumstances, to show that stat? Is it relevant to his retirement? ESPN would like you to think so. The media would love to churn up controversy whenever possible, and if it can relate the OSU loss to his retirement, then that works for ratings and readership. Now, I'm tuning into ESPNews, and what is prominently displayed next to the video feed? Carr's record and stats versus OSU.

Now I realize a UM or OSU coach is and will always be judged by his record versus the other rival. But this is not the place to do it. I really don't believe Carr is being pushed out because of his recent struggles against OSU. When asked about some saying he was tired of coaching, he said jokingly, "I'm not tired. I may look tired, but I'm not."

"This program will continue to abide by the standards that were established by Bo Schembechler, to win with integrity. In the big picture, character of Michigan will be defined by how this program has been run," Carr said. Let's hope so.

I'll have more on the Michigan coaching hunt during the next few weeks. It should be really fun.