Vince Dooley passing: Kirby Smart, Mark Richt remember Georgia legend
Vince Dooley tributes are pouring in after the SEC legend’s passing Friday.
Dooley will be best remembered as Georgia’s championship coach (6 SEC titles, 1980 national title) and, later, athletic director. His SEC career, though, began at Auburn, where he played football.
Damn Good Dawg.
Rest In Peace, Coach Dooley. pic.twitter.com/gE16alaRcO
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) October 28, 2022
In loving memory of Vince Dooley, former Auburn player and coach and one of the most iconic figures in the history of the SEC.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dooley family and our friends at the University of Georgia. pic.twitter.com/9LpCe3OyTa
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) October 28, 2022
Dooley was Georgia’s athletic director until 2004, but remained close to the program after his retirement.
The pride and pure joy coach Dooley had in this moment 9 months ago was a pleasure to witness. RIP to a true SEC Legend and amazing man. https://t.co/7eLJoWOgs1
— Chuck Dunlap (@SEC_Chuck) October 28, 2022
Kirby Smart, Mark Richt and David Pollack were among the members of the UGA family who remembered Dooley on social media.
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 in our community, university, and in college athletics.
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) October 28, 2022
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
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
Dooley turned 90 in September.
