Lions new coach has a familiar name

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Feb. 10, 2004
SCOOBA After a decade away from East Mississippi Community College, Roger Carr returned to the junior college's campus on Monday.
Carr, who served as the EMCC football team's offensive coordinator from 1992-94, was announced as the Lions new football coach and athletic director in the board room of the Administration Building during a morning press conference.
Carr comes to EMCC with 14 years of coaching experience at the professional, college and high school levels. His last job was as the athletic director and head football coach at St. Fredericks High School in Monroe, La.
EMCC's new football coach and athletic director has also coached for Louisiana Tech University, where he played wide receiver from 1970-73, Northeast Louisiana University, Arkansas State, the Miami Tribe of the Professional Spring Football League, Samford University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Monroe's Bayou Beast of the Professional Indoor Football League.
Prior to coaching, Carr played 10 years in the National Football League, amassing 5,071 yards on 271 catches and 31 touchdowns.
He was a first-round selection by the Baltimore Colts in 1974. He played eight seasons for Baltimore and was selected to the 1976 Pro Bowl.
Carr also played one season for the Seattle Seahawks in 1982, and he played his final year in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers in 1983.
As far reaching as Carr's football experiences have been, the most important for his new position with EMCC may be when he was with the Lions' program from 1992-94.
Former Lions football coach and athletic director Tom Goode, who announced his retirement from EMCC in November, said Carr's familiarity with the program and the area should help with the coach's transition.
Carr said he was very happy to get the chance to follow in Goode's foot steps at EMCC. Goode has been the Loins' football coach and athletic director for the past 12 years.
The new coach will now begin to learn about his program, which finished 3-6 in 2003.
Carr said he will meet with the football staff on Monday and will meet with returning players throughout the week.
He will also be involved with the final steps of the recruiting process. EMCC already signed 18 players last Wednesday.
Goode, who said he has no plans after he leaves EMCC, will officially retire on July 1.
Davis said the junior college will miss Goode and is thankful to the coach for his years of service.