Carr takes over as Admirals head coach

Norfolk, Va. - The Norfolk Admirals announced that Rod Taylor is leaving his position as head coach of the Norfolk Admirals. The Admirals have named assistant coach Jeff Carr as head coach effective immediately.

“Rod has poured his heart and soul into Admirals Hockey for decades both as a player and head coach,” said Admirals Owner Patrick Cavanagh. “The organization appreciates his work and dedication more than words can say. The Admirals organization cannot thank Rod enough for his dedication and loyalty to Norfolk Admirals Professional Hockey and the wonderful community of Hampton Roads.”

Carr, 38, becomes the 13th head coach in Norfolk Admirals history. He joined the Admirals' staff as an assistant coach prior to the start of this season after spending the last five seasons as the head coach of the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Knoxville Ice Bears. He was named the 2021-22 SPHL Coach of the Year after leading the Ice Bears to a 42-10-8 record, which was the franchise’s first regular-season title since 2009. The 42 victories set the all-time regular season record for wins in SPHL history. In five seasons under Carr’s leadership, the Ice Bears combined record was 151-83-24 for a 0.632 points percentage.

The Eagle River, Wisconsin native began his coaching career in 2012-13 as an assistant coach with the Western States Hockey League’s Salt Lake City Moose. He was promoted to head coach for the next two seasons in which the Moose secured playoff births. After a brief stint with the Odgen Mustangs in the WSHL, Carr was named the assistant coach of the ECHL’s Utah Grizzles in 2016-17 before being named Knoxville's head coach one year later.