Moeller’s Mayhem Ends In Resignation Quits Six Days After Drunken Incident; Search Begins For New Michigan Coach

Gary Moeller resigned as Michigan football coach Thursday following a drunken incident at a suburban Detroit restaurant last week.

Defensive coordinator Lloyd Carr was appointed interim coach while the search for a successor begins for one of the country’s top football programs.

Moeller’s resignation, announced at a news conference by Michigan athletic director Joe Roberson, stunned players and staff.

“This is one of the saddest days of my life,” said Carr, his voice choking. “A man I respect, have the utmost admiration for, is no longer here. I would not be honest if I say we are not wounded or feel great pain.”

“I can’t tell you what a terrible experience it was to see this proud man defeated,” said Carr, whose son, Jason, is a backup quarterback for the Wolverines.

Moeller was arrested on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and assault and battery after his outburst at a restaurant last Friday.

According to Southfield police, Moeller was intoxicated and punched a police officer in the chest. He has not commented since the arrest and he faces a court appearance May 12.

Roberson read a statement from Moeller.

“I consider myself to be a dedicated, solid football coach with an ability to learn, to lead and coach young men,” Moeller said. “I’m proud of my career and what I accomplished in Michigan… . I still have my family and dignity.”

Roberson said Moeller was placed on a leave of absence and would continue receiving his $130,000-a-year salary indefinitely. He said Moeller is entitled to a year with full pay, but it was uncertain if the leave would last that long.

Except for a three-year stint as coach at Illinois, Moeller had served on the Michigan staff for 24 years.

Among the most prominent names immediately mentioned as a possible successor were former Colorado coach Bill McCartney, Auburn coach Terry Bowden and even Bo Schembechler.

Roberson said nobody had been contacted and called the speculation pointless.