Coach Dooley was born and raised in Alabama. He was a multi-sport star at Auburn University for the Tigers. After his time in college, Coach Dooley, became an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the military, Coach Vince Dooley returned to Auburn, Alabama to begin his coaching career with the Tigers. His life changed in December 1963, when he accepted the position as head football coach at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Coach Dooley established his coaching legacy with the Bulldogs, compiling a record of 201-77-10, and winning a national title in the 1980 football season. During his 25 seasons as the head coach in Athens, he led the Bulldogs to 20 bowl games, coached 12 consensuses All-Americans, and was named SEC Coach of the Year four times. In 1979, he was appointed as the athletic director, and saw the Bulldogs win 18 national championships and 75 SEC championships during that period. Coach Dooley, and his wife Barbara, have become mainstays in the Athens area since they arrived in town in the 1960’s.
In this episode, Mike Linch talks with Coach Vince Dooley about not only his coaching journey, but some of the leadership lessons he learned on the football field as well. Coach Dooley also talks about the things he’s learned in his 50+ years of marriage to his wife, Barbara, and the role his faith has played in his journey through life.