Wizards Name New Defensive Coordinator

May 29, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mobile Wizards News Release

"Chris brings a lot to our table," said Risher, "both as a former standout football player and arena football coach. He was part of our staff with the Baton Rouge (LA) Blaze last year and defense helped make us a successful 10 - 6 team."

Carrier replaces Brian Decker as leader of a Wizards' defensive unit which has been somewhat porous through the first half of the 2002 af2 season.

"Looking at the skill level of the team," says Carrier, "I think it's as good as what we had last year in Baton Rouge. With a bit more help on the offensive and defensive lines I think we can scare some people. A key will be for us to get 3 or 4 defensive stops per half. Whether the other team turns the ball over on downs, or through a turnover or a field goal attempt, we need those stops."

Carrier remembers one of the main keys brought to his LSU team by former head coach Bill Arnsparger. "Coach said as players we needed to have a ‘short' memory. If we made a defensive mistake, let it go, concentrate on the next play. If our offense did something well, they didn't need to dwell on it because the next play was what became most important. In other words, have a ‘short' memory."

While at LSU, Carrier was a member of the 1986 SEC championship team, an All-SEC selection as free safety in 1986 and 1987 and All-American Honorable Mention in those two years. At Eunice (LA) High he was an AAA All-State Defensive Back and District Defensive MVP.

Following the Wizards' season, Carrier will assume duties as head track coach and football football defensive coordinator for Dutchtown High, located near Baton Rouge. The married father of two sons moves quickly into his new assignment as the Wizards face the Tallahassee (FL) Thunder Friday night in Tallahassee. Last week in Mobile the Thunder struggled to a 58 – 39 win against a pesky Wizards' squad.

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