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Legendary SEC coach, AD passes away at the age of 90

Cole Thompson

By Cole Thompson

Published:

Former Georgia coach and SEC legend Vince Dooley, who led the Bulldogs to their 2nd national title in 1980, has passed away.

The school confirmed the news on Friday. He was 90 years old.

Dooley was hired by Georgia in 1964 and held the title of head coach until 1988. Dooley also worked as the school’s Athletic Director from 1979 to 2004. As UGA’s coach, Dooley went 201-77-10 posting seven 10-win seasons and winning 6 SEC titles.

 

The 1980 Bulldogs have been regarded as 1 of the top teams in SEC history. That season, Georgia ran the table, going 12-0 overall, and 6-0 record in conference play. The Bulldogs defeated No. 7 Notre Dame 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl behind the legs of running back Herschel Walker.

The championship ended a 38-year drought for the Bulldogs in winning a national title.

Dooley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He also is a member of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Dooley is survived by his wife, Barbara and son Derek. Derek served as the head coach at Louisiana Tech and Tennessee.

Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.