Lloyd Carr: 'I am not a candidate' to be Michigan athletic director

Former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr said Wednesday he is not interested in replacing Bill Martin as athletic director.

"I am not a candidate," Carr said.

He declined comment on any other matters related to the athletic department's search to replace Martin, who announced he'll step down next September after 10 years with the university.

Michigan released a statement from Carr earlier Wednesday.

"In 2000 when Bill Martin became the athletic director at Michigan, we were well behind our peers from a facilities standpoint," Carr said in the release. "Today, we are at the forefront and the monumental changes that Bill and his team have orchestrated have positioned Michigan athletics in excellent position for decades to come. "The athletic campus is not Bill’s only legacy, but it will be an enduring legacy. Every coach and student-athlete who compete here in the future and all Michigan fans will benefit from Bill Martin’s vision and hard work. Personally, I have much admiration for the dramatic improvements at Michigan Stadium and the efforts in pushing forward on the Al Glick Field House. I join the many in expressing our appreciation and gratitude."

Carr, who retired after the 2007 season with a 122-40 career record and one national championship, is a senior athletic director at Michigan. Earlier this year, he joined DHR International as a consultant to assist in the search firm's sports practice.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.