Georgia officials release statement in remembrance of Vince Dooley

The University of Georgia lost a legendary coach and person on Friday. Less than 24 hours ahead of the Bulldogs’ annual showdown with Florida, the school announced that Vince Dooley had passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90 years old.

Vince Dooley helped Georgia dominant the rivalry with Florida in his 25 years as a head, going 18-6-1 against the hated Gators. But he was much more than the man who helped Georgia take control of its biggest rivalry. Vince Dooley was an incredible person and UGA ambassador, evidenced by the words of school officials.

“I join the entire Bulldog Nation in expressing our sadness over the loss of our legendary and treasured athletic leader and dear friend,” UGA President Jere W. Morehead said. “I first had the opportunity to spend significant time with Coach Dooley when I served as Faculty Athletics Representative 20 years ago. I have always been grateful for the many ways he worked to make the University of Georgia a stronger and better institution. My fondest memory is going to his home to tell him we planned to name Dooley Field in his honor. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and learn from him. We extend our deepest sympathy to Barbara and all members of the Dooley family.”

“We are heartbroken to hear of Coach Dooley’s passing,” UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “Georgia Athletics is what it is today because of Vince Dooley. He was a role model, mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and his entire family. Vince Dooley was one of the greatest coaches and athletics administrators of all time, and I am humbled and honored to serve in a role that he built. All of us at the University of Georgia will continue to honor his legacy for years to come.”

Vince Dooley amassed a record of 201-77-10 and led the Bulldogs to one National Championship and six Southeastern Conference titles. In addition, Dooley was the first ever recipient of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award in 1976, an honor named after the former Georgia Tech head coach. Dooley went 3-0 against Dodd in his first three seasons as UGA’s head man.

When Vince Dooley decided to retire as a head coach in 1988, he was the second-winningest head coach in SEC history. He trailed only Paul “Bear” Bryant. His head coaching career at Georgia saw him dominate the Bulldogs next opponent in the present, Florida. Vince Dooley led his teams to a 18-6-1 record against Florida.

Vince Dooley also earned numerous other honors during his time as the leader for Georgia’s football program, taking home AFCA Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year, and Walter Camp Coach of the Year all in 1980. Dooley also received the Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

In addition to his time at Georgia as head coach, Vince Dooley also served as the school’s Athletics Director. He held that post from 1979 to 2004, overseeing the hiring of three head football coaches and numerous leaders of other programs during that time.

You can add published author to Dooley’s list of achievements. Vince Dooley is also a member of sports hall of fames in two states, Georgia and Florida. Prior to his coaching career, Dooley served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer.

The passing of Vince Dooley comes on the heals of another UGA legend’s death. Charley Trippi passed away at the age of 100 on October 19.

Dooley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, and four children, Deanna, Daniel, Denise, and Derek.