The program was in gradual decline for several years (just like the last several years of Lavell's tenure at BYU). Carr didn't leave a lot of talent behind for Rich Rod to work with, and the talent that was there was not a good fit for the spread offense (Ryan Mallet is an example). Plus, he was working against impossible expectations from an arrogant administration and fanbase who still believed that Michigan was a relevant NC contender (even though their recent results told a different story).