This week, we are excited to re-release an episode from the archives of Linch with a Leader to honor a legend in the State of Georgia and in the college football world. In his second episode ever published in Season 1 of the podcast, Mike Linch interviewed the late former University of Georgia Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley, who recently passed at the age of 90 at his home in Athens.
Coach Dooley established his coaching legacy with the Georgia 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 consensus 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 was also instrumental in bringing collegiate football to Kennesaw State University, where he served as Chair of the Exploratory Committee which researched the feasibility of bringing the sport to the school. Additionally, he also partnered with Mascot Books to publish two children’s books about the UGA mascot, How ‘Bout Them Dawgs! and Hairy Dawg’s Journey Through the Peach State. Dooley was also the chairman of the board of curators for the Georgia Historical Society from 2016 to 2018.
In this episode, Mike Linch talks with Coach Dooley about, not only his coaching journey, but also some of the leadership lessons he learned on the football field. Coach Dooley also talks about the things he learned in his 50+ years of marriage to his wife, Barbara, and the role his faith has played in his journey through life.
