The Colossal Impact of Vince Dooley on Georgia Football

There was nothing like former Georgia Football head coach Vince Dooley in Athens. On Friday, it was announced that Dooley passed away at age 90. For many years, Dooley had a colossal impact on the Georgia program.

He began coaching at his alma matter, Auburn, as an assistant coach for seven years until packing his bags and heading to Georgia. Georgia was the place Dooley established himself as an all-time great. He led Georgia to one national championship victory (1980) during an undefeated season, and six SEC titles (1967, 1969, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982) throughout his 25 year Bulldog career.

A note to highlight is a trio of back-to-backs from ’80 to ’82. Dooley was red hot during the very early 80’s and possessed one of his best teams with 82′ Heisman winner Herschel Walker throughout that period. He once said there was not any question on anybody’s mind who the best player was on the football field when Walker stepped into the backfield.

Dooley undoubtedly was a great coach at Georgia. He went on to coach and assist as an athletic director around the same time back between ’79 and ’88. His only losing season occurred in 1977 going 5-6. Not bad for a 25 year career.

What Dooley is most known for these days is being the third winningest coach in the SEC’s all-time head coaching list, right behind Alabama legend Paul Bryant and Steve Spurrier. Dooley stayed loyal to the Georgia program by coaching at Georgia and only Athens. Dooley lit up players when he entered a room and coached relentlessly.

He would even consider a Senate run, similar to Walker, in 1980. Football, however, was dear and near to his heart. He would go on to appear in 20 bowl appearances, which included five Sugar Bowls and three Cotton bowls at Georgia. It was not too long after, Dooley was inducted into the College Football hall of fame in 1994 and compiled a record of 201-77-10, having a colossal impact on the Georgia Football program.