ATHENS, Ga. — Family and friends of former UGA football coach Vince Dooley gathered on the campus of UGA on Friday to pay their last respects to the legendary coach.
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In October 2022, Dooley passed away at 90 years old.
It was a celebration for a man who meant so much to many, especially current UGA head football coach Kirby Smart.
Smart shared his most memorable moment with Dooley, right before the 2021 Championship game: “He said, ‘embrace the moment.’ He said ‘enjoy it,’ and the next time I saw him, was in the confetti after the game. That meant so much to me,” said Smart. “He put Georgia on the map. He paved the way.”
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UGA athletic director Josh Brooks echoed those sentiments. “The success that we have today, is due to the foundation that he built.”
UGA president Jere Morehead spoke about when the stadium was named after Dooley: “I also remember, Coach Dooley just quietly and humbly receiving the news, thanking us and then offering to show us around the garden, which was his pride and joy.”
Also among the speakers was Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp. “Each time, Marty, the girls and I yell ‘Go Dogs,’ we will think of the man beyond the legend, Vince Dooley. A mentor, a friend, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a truly damn good dog.”
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