Carr, Moeller go back to 1977

11/7/2000

Gary Moeller hired Michigan coach Lloyd Carr at the University of Illinois in 1977. Moeller and Carr coached together until 1995. Carr spoke to Blade sports writer Dave Woolford about Moeller yesterday:

“Gary Moeller is one of the finest men I've ever known. I don't think anyone who knew him or knows him would question that the day would come when he would become a head coach.

“I think he will have a great tenure with Detroit and hopefully he'll bring that super bowl trophy here to Michigan.

“Mo, you can do it, and I couldn't be happier for any person in this world and, go to work' ... which I don't have to tell him. He knows how to work. He's the best.

“If you look at his record at Michigan, he won three championships in five years. He is a very, very smart, knowledgeable coach. The guy is easy to relate to, has a tremendous competitive spirit. He really drives himself and takes pride in doing little things. No one will outwork him.

“Everyone I've talked to who has been coached by Mo in the pros, I know this to be true at Michigan, they all love him and yet he's tough enough. He has a real tough side and he'll have no trouble motivating guys at that level.

“I think he's proven that by the guys who he's coached in that league since he's been there. There's nothing he doesn't have in terms of what he needs to be successful. He's coached in Cincy and Detroit, he's been around good coaches and I'm just delighted Mr. Ford has the confidence to give him the job. I think he'll take it and run with it.”