Carl Edward Nichols (born October 14, 1962) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher.

He played parts of six seasons in the major leagues, from 1986 until 1991, for the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros, appearing in a total of 96 games while batting .204 with 18 RBIs.

Within MLB, Nichols appeared in a total of 36 games for the Orioles, during the 1986 through 1988 seasons, and a total of 60 games for the Houston Astros, during the 1989 through 1991 seasons.

Following his playing career, Nichols has been active in coaching, including six years with the MLB Urban Youth Academy.

Nichols is the uncle of former MLB player Ray Lankford.