Very glad grandpa Carr is “still” with us to watch Sunday.
Replies to: Very glad grandpa Carr is “still” with us to watch Sunday.
He's one of those guys that enough time and hindsight has benefitted.
It's easy to forget how despised he was by Michigan fans for quite a while after he was forced into retirement. He opened the 2007 season with 2 losses (1 to Appalachian State), was pounded for having a system that was a "relic" that needed to be upgraded by a more modern-minded coach, and struggled against Tressel. They all wanted him out.
And yet the next 2 dolts that followed him were unqualified disasters for the program. They sank to irrelevance. And the fringe of their fanbase blamed Carr for Rodriguez's early struggles by saying that he was somehow undercutting him for not being a "real Michigan guy," when it turned out that even if he wasn't being supportive, he was right not to be.
Furthermore, an objective comparison between Harbaugh and Carr would tell you that their accomplishments aren't that different. Both won a National Title (although Carr's isn't tainted by blatant cheating). Carr was 6-7 in Bowl Games, Harbaugh was 2-5. Carr was 6-7 against Ohio State, Harbaugh was 3-5 (and again, those 3 have bright bold flashing asterisks next to them).
Carr deserves respect and appreciation as a great coach.
Interesting, thanks.
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I met him on an early morning run along a river outside A2. Super nice human being.
We chatted for over half an hour and he expressed great respect for Notre Dame as an institution. He also made it clear that the most challenging aspect of coaching was coping with the delusions of fans.
Great memory for you. 👍
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