Reaction to the passing of former Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley
Tributes poured in Friday after former Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley passed away at age 90.
University of Georgia president Jere Morehead
“I join the entire Bulldog Nation in expressing our sadness over the loss of our legendary and treasured athletic leader and dear friend. 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.”
Vince Dooley dead: Legendary Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley dies at age 90
Looking back at a friend: He will always be Georgia's football coach. In Athens, he was our neighbor and friend
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks
“We are heartbroken to hear of Coach Dooley’s passing. 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.”
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart
“Our family is heartbroken by the death of Coach Dooley. He was one of a kind with an unmatched love for UGA! He and Barbara embraced my family from day one. He will be missed by our community, university, and in college athletics.”
Former UGA Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker
"My heart breaks at Coach Vince Dooley's passing. Coach Dooley was like a second father to me and his family became my family. Coach put his trust in me and I put my trust in him. He taught me about the values of hard work and perseverance. There is no one who loved America more than Coach Dooley, and he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Without Coach Dooley, there is no Herschel Walker. He helped make me the man I am today and I will never be able to thank him enough for everything he did for me. Julie and I are praying for Barbara Dooley and Coach's entire family during this difficult time."
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey
Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey on passing of former @UGAAthletics head football coach and athletics director Vince Dooley: pic.twitter.com/5w4eSigeZv
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 28, 2022
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp
Please see our family’s statement on Coach Vince Dooley’s passing. https://t.co/zaCLruKgAp pic.twitter.com/suD4BdCJMb
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 28, 2022
College Football Hall of Famers and former Georgia defensive end David Pollack
Absolutely heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Vince Dooley. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. The world was a better place with Vince here but I know he is in a better place.
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) October 28, 2022
Former broadcast partner Tim Brando
Just out of our meeting with @CalFootball and learned of @GeorgiaFootball Legend Vince Dooley’s passing. My 💜 hurts and my prayers for Daniel, Deanna, Derek, and Barbara🙏🙏🙏🏈. A great Coach a greater man and for my family someone who’s 1 season in the booth w/me meant the 🌍 pic.twitter.com/Vt63IaOHoO
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) October 28, 2022
Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Derek Dooley, Vince's son, is an analyst for the Crimson Tide.
Nick Saban on the passing of Vince Dooley. pic.twitter.com/57EwacN2De
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) October 28, 2022
Former Georgia athletic director Damon Evans, now Maryland's AD
Georgia lost a legend. I’m so fortunate to have played & worked for Coach Dooley. He was so instrumental in my career. It is because of him that I am in the position I hold today. He was not only my mentor but a dear friend who I owe a debt of gratitude. Coach, you will be missed pic.twitter.com/YAW0kZOwSk
— Damon Evans (@Evans_TerpsAD) October 28, 2022
Charles B. Knapp, UGA president 1987-1997
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Vince Dooley’s death. His contributions to the University of Georgia both as head football coach and athletic director were important, deep, and abiding. I have lost a friend and the University has lost one of its greatest citizens.”
National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning and President & CEO Steve Hatchell
Manning: "There have been few, if any, like Vince Dooley. He's one of the true greats of college athletics who participated at the highest levels as a player, coach, and administrator. His countless contributions helped pave the way for the great sport we all enjoy today, and his legacy will be with us for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Barbara, their entire family and the many student-athletes and coaches who he impacted as one of the true leaders in college athletics."
Hatchell: "This is a very, very sad time for all of us who knew Coach Dooley, his wife Barbara and their children. "He was an extraordinary individual who knew how to connect with whoever he met. His legacy made the game better, and he always did it in such a classy way. They don't make many like Vince Dooley, and we are deeply saddened by his passing."
Former Georgia coach Mark Richt
Sorry to hear the news of coach Dooleys passing. Obviously one of the greatest coaches of all time. But also the man who hired me and mentored me in my first head coaching opportunity at Georgia. I owe a lot to Coach. May God bless Barbara and the rest of the Dooley family!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) October 28, 2022
Georgia men's golf coach Chris Haack
The news that hit our team today about the great Coach Dooley was especially hard for this coach. He took a chance on me 27 years ago and then supported me all along the way. He was there when we won our first NCAA at Hazeltine and that is a great memory I’ll always remember!😢 pic.twitter.com/JHPIgl1OsP
— @UGAHaacker (@ugahaacker) October 29, 2022
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Tributes pour in for Vince Dooley after his death Friday at age 90
