ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – “For those that stay will be champions” is what Lloyd Carr preached as the Michigan Head Football Coach from 1995 to 2007. Winning five Big Ten Championships and one National Championship in his time, the University of Michigan has agreed to honor Carr with the naming of a tunnel at Michigan Stadium.
The only tunnel that leads inside to the field will now be named the Lloyd Carr Tunnel at Michigan Stadium. The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved the Athletic Department’s request on Thursday, September 22. The tunnel will be dedicated on October 15 when the Wolverines host Penn State.
“In my mind the tunnel to Michigan Stadium is hallowed ground,” said Carr. He also commented on his former players saying, “I’m here because of them –what they did, how they competed, how they played and how responded to adversity a few times didn’t go our way.”
Carr, who moved to Michigan when he was 10-years old to the town of Riverview, had a 122-40 record at Michigan. He won Big Ten Championships in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2004 gaining a National Championship in with a 12-0 record in 1997. Michigan was awarded the AP (Associated Press) National Championship after defeating Washington State, 21-16, in the Rose Bowl.
“Lloyd Carr was one of the great coaches and leaders in college football. We are forever proud that he was our coach, ally and trusted friend. He was loyal to the University of Michigan and was committed to the development of his players as young men, citizens and football players,” says Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh.
It was 1980 that Carr first came to the University of Michigan’s campus as an assistant coach under Bo Schembechler. He served for 15 years under Schembechler and Gary Moeller (1990-94) before being named the head coach in 1995. In 11 of his 13 seasons as the head coach, his teams made appearances in New Year’s Day Bowl games. He became the first Wolverine coach to win four straight bowl games winning the Citrus Bowl, twice, Orange Bowl, and Rose Bowl.
“Lloyd Carr set a high standard as a coach and mentor. He was a great leader and an example for his players and staff. Lloyd was a teacher as much as he was a football coach, always looking to make a positive impact on the lives of his players. This is a well-deserved recognition for all that Lloyd has accomplished and contributed to the this University. We are happy to honor his impact and legacy at the University of Michigan in this way,” says the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel.
Carr is in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame, and the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame.
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