Newspaper

Interview with Coach Carrera

by Chris Harrington

Phil Carrera spent most of the 1980 UCSD season performing a team mother role. Although listed as Assistant Coach, Carrera performed various duties such as washing uniforms, academic tutoring and food preparation. "He made some good chili," says Junior tight end Joe Andersen.

In 1981 he was promoted from team nanny to defensive backfield coach, where he spent the first half of the season. Then because of his college and NFL experience he was chosen to succeed Harry Crocker as head coach.

Koala: Will you please detail your football experience before you secured your job at UCSD?

Carrera: After four years of playing quarterback at Pawtucket High School in Canton, I got in as a defensive back at Miami of Ohio. I did fairly well, then in my senior year I intercepted nine passes. So I was drafted in the 12th round by the Chicago Bears and cut after one pre-season game. I went back and coached Pawtucket High for two years, until I moved to San Diego in 1978.

Koala: What were the highlights of your college career?

Carrera: Once I tackled Archie Griffin after a 19 yard gain. I also sacked Eric Hipple on a blitz and intercepted a Gifford Nielsen pass.

Koala: And your pro career?

Carrera: In my first pre-season game with The Bears we played the Kansas City Chiefs and I had to cover Otis Taylor. On the first play he made a little inside move and then I just heard him laughing as he ran by me. Steve Fuller threw him an 87-yard touchdown pass. I got to the end-zone about ten seconds after he did. The next day they said, “The Coach wants to see you…and bring your playbook.”

Koala: What made you want to coach at UCSD?

Carrera: San Diego State University and USD’s coaching spots were all filled up. It was with this or Mesa.

Koala: Did you expect to become head coach so soon?

Carrera: Certainly not. I thought I’d be defensive backfield coach for ten years of so. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I’ve received.

Koala: Have you always wanted to coach? I heard you did a little broadcasting

Carrera: Oh yeah, I latched on as a color commentator for the New York Jets in 1976. In my second game I called Emerson Boozer…”Emerson Bougar.” I didn’t last much longer.

Koala: What can we expect from the team this year?

Carrera: We're going to throw the ball. Golf's got a great arm and we got some guys that can catch he ball. We’ll line in the “I” formation a lot, and we’ll try to get Scooter (halfback Alonzo Pie) in the slotback spot some. Defensively, I think Howie’s (Defensive Coordinator Howard Napier) leaning toward a 4-3 defense. You’ll also see a 5-3 Okalahoma defense, and always lots of blitzing.

Koala: Best of luck in 1982, Phil.

Carrera: Thanks a lot, Chris.