"I'd be sitting in the stands complaining about the play calling": When ex-NFL QB David Carr revealed his reason for coaching high school football

Former NFL quarterback David Carr transitioned from professional football to high school coaching in Bakersfield, California, following his professional departure in 2013. Carr, the 2002 NFL draft's first pick, enjoyed an 11-year career with teams such as the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers and New York Giants, where he earned a Super Bowl ring as a backup quarterback.

After his NFL success, Carr focused on mentoring the next generation. In a video shared by "NFL Up" in February 2019, he reflected on his role and how coaching allows him to channel his passion productively.

"Honestly, being able to coach with my brother and my dad and then to be able to coach my son," Carr said. "It's like a win-win because otherwise I'd be sitting in the stands complaining about the play calling. I just figured I'll just call the plays and I'll just be the guy that does it. I'm gonna be mad at myself after it's over."

Carr emphasized the unique family atmosphere within his team, noting the daily interactions with his loved ones.

"Not everybody gets to see their parents all the time. They don't get to see their brothers very much, but I get to see them every day. So it's a joy," he said. "The basis of this whole entire football team is a family with the brothers and of course Coach Pops. Seeing that every single day really just creates this atmosphere that makes fun to come every day."

Carr's philosophy centers on developing character alongside athletic skills.

"You're willing to work hard enough for it to be able to achieve it," he said. "So that's what we try to instill in the kids that are here. And then not only do they develop character and become better men, but it's just a byproduct you win football games."

David Carr has been Bakersfield Christian High School's offensive coordinator since 2015.

David Carr balances family, business and a return to Fresno roots

Bakersfield native David Carr has spent much of his recent life traveling between Bakersfield and Los Angeles. However, with his three sons either attending or planning to attend Fresno State, Carr and his wife, Melody, decided to relocate to Fresno.

“Doing stuff with Table Mountain and Groppetti, I mean all of it is kind of north of Bakersfield," Carr said. "So, I think that was one of the main reasons Melody was OK with it is because our children are going to be up there, and she doesn’t want to miss out on a grandson or granddaughter.”

Carr’s eldest son, Tyler, is set to join Fresno State football next fall, continuing a family tradition that includes both David and his brother, Derek, playing for the Bulldogs.

Carr hopes to emulate his father’s involvement during his own college football days by being a frequent presence at practice. While he’s not pursuing a college coaching role, he’s eager to offer insights.

“If those guys are open to some information from an old quarterback that could maybe help them, great, not that they need it,” Carr said. “But if they could entertain me and let me talk to them for a little bit, that’d be kind of cool.”

Post-NFL, Carr transitioned to media, joining NFL Network and securing business deals, including renaming Bulldog Stadium to Valley Children’s Stadium.