A University of Georgia icon is being recognized for his contributions. UGA President Jere Morehead and Athletic Director Greg McGarity announced a proposal today to create Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium, in honor of legendary Bulldogs head football coach and athletics director Vincent J. Dooley.
An official ceremony to dedicate Dooley Field will take place inside Sanford Stadium prior to the Bulldogs’ 2019 home opener on September 7.
The proposal will require formal approval by the University of Georgia as well as the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents.
Dooley served as head football coach of the Bulldogs from 1963 to 1989 and as director of athletics from 1979 to 2004. As head coach, he won a national championship in 1980 and six Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, and while athletic director, Georgia teams won 23 national championships and 78 SEC team championships.
Dooley was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. Gov. Brian Kemp, who was a childhood friend of Dooley's son, Daniel; supports the effort. Kemp called Dooley "is one of the most celebrated leaders in Georgia athletics"