Feb. 11, 2002
Gerald Carr, who has coaching experience in the National Football League, Arena League, and in college, has been hired as UK’s assistant coach for running backs, Coach Guy Morriss has announced.
“Gerald is a veteran Division I coach with an NFL background, which is an attractive combination for our players and potential recruits,” Morriss said. “He is a high-energy, positive coach. He had glowing recommendations and it is obvious from our conversations with him that he is extremely knowledgeable as an offensive coach.
“Gerald also comes with an excellent reputation as a recruiter. I believe he will be a good fit on our staff. He fits the model of what we are looking for good people first, and a good coach second.”
Carr comes to UK from Indiana University, where he was quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator for the Hoosiers during the 2001 season. Under Carr’s tutelage, Antwaan Randle El earned first-team All-America honors and was selected the Big Ten Most Valuable Player while setting several NCAA records.
Carr began his full-time coaching career in 1983. He has been an offensive coach for all but one year of his career, with stints at Davidson (1983-85), Akron (1986-88), Washington State (1989-90), Arizona (1991), North Carolina (1992-94), Wake Forest (1999), and Indiana.
Carr gained his first bowl-game experience with North Carolina, helping guide the Tar Heels to the Peach, Gator, and Sun bowls during his three seasons with the team. He also helped lead Wake Forest to a victory in the 1999 Aloha Bowl.
Carr entered the professional coaching ranks with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-98. The Eagles advanced to the NFL playoffs following the 1995 and 1996 regular seasons. Carr was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks, and wide receivers coach for the Arena League’s Carolina Cobras in 2000.
The addition of Carr gives UK five coaches who have played and/or coached pro football. Morriss, Carr, Harold Jackson, Mark Nelson, and Brent Pease have a combined 70 years of pro experience, including 45 playing seasons and 25 years in coaching.
“I’m excited about the opportunity at Kentucky,” Carr said. “Coach Morriss has the program on the right track. When I visited the school, saw the facilities, and spoke with the people, it is obvious that there is a commitment to win. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Carr is a graduate of Southern Illinois, where he was a football letterman from 1978-80.
Staff Realigned: With the hiring of running backs coach Gerald Carr, Coach Guy Morriss also has announced the realignment of the coaching staff.
Wesley McGriff, formerly the running backs coach, moves to defense and will coach defensive backs. Prior to UK, McGriff had been a defensive backs coach for all but one year of his terms at Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky State, and Savannah State.
Mark Nelson will continue in his role as special teams coordinator but will move from tight ends to defensive ends. He has been a defensive coach for the majority of his career and was the defensive line coach for Toronto in 1996 when the Argonauts claimed the Canadian Football League Grey Cup championship.
Chris Lancaster, who coached the defensive ends in 2001, returns to his long-time role on offense and will coach the offensive line. Lancaster had coached the O-Line through the majority of his previous stops at McNeese State, Sam Houston State, Baylor, and Clemson.
Graduate assistant John Schlarman will coach the tight ends and assist Lancaster with the offensive line. Schlarman had worked with Morriss in coaching the offensive line the last two seasons.
“I think all of these position changes are logical moves for us,” said Morriss, who will give up his day-to-day responsibility of coaching the offensive line. “We had an opening in defensive backs and Coach McGriff is an excellent secondary coach. Mark Nelson coached Toronto’s defensive line when they won the Grey Cup. Coach Lancaster has been an offensive line coach for most of his career.”
In addition to his role as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, John Goodner adds the duties of recruiting coordinator.
“This is an ideal situation for us,” Morriss said. “John asked for the opportunity. He understands our numbers and needs in recruiting. We’ll continue to recruit as a staff and I believe that John is the logical choice to coordinate that effort.”
The realigned UK coaching staff and responsibilities now include:
Guy Morriss: head coach
Tom Adams: defensive tackles
Gerald Carr: running backs
John Goodner: defensive coordinator, linebackers, recruiting coordinator
Larry Hoefer: safeties
Harold Jackson: wide receivers
Chris Lancaster: offensive line
Wesley McGriff: defensive backs
Mark Nelson: special teams coordinator, defensive ends
Brent Pease: offensive coordinator, quarterbacks
Rob Manchester: graduate assistant, assist with defensive backs
John Schlarman: graduate assistant, tight ends, assist with offensive line
Kentucky Football Calendar:
Off-season Strength and Conditioning:Daily
Spring Break:March 9-17
Spring Practice:March 26, 27, 29, 30, April 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19
Spring Game:April 20 at Commonwealth Stadium, time TBA
– UK –
