Lloyd Carr needs to make it clear as quickly as possible.
Is he returning next year or is he retiring?
Any reticence makes it appear he isn't sure. Any indecisiveness comes with potential risk for Michigan football because the speculation won't cease that a turnover is imminent. The New York Times recently spoke with someone close to LSU coach Les Miles who stated that the former Michigan assistant coach would likely consider any overtures from Michigan should Carr step down.
Such sentiment doesn't breed in a vacuum. It's born from a legitimate belief that Carr privately has decided that this year is it for him and he's ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.
Michigan can't approach this situation with a blind eye. The uncertainty regarding Carr's future hasn't affected the 2008 recruiting class -- yet. But Michigan's problem hasn't been recruiting, but the inability to squeeze as much as possible out of the talent it has recruited.
Carr has earned the privilege of determining when his coaching career at Michigan concludes. But the problem is that his strategic philosophy is outdated.
If Carr wishes to stay beyond this season, that's his prerogative. But if he cares anything about Michigan, and I fervently believe he passionately loves his university, then he must remove the ambiguity surrounding his future and make it clear to all concerned where he stands -- right now.
DREW SHARP: With LSU's Miles looming, Carr must say soon whether he's going to retire
10-06-2007, 01:23 PM
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