Vince Dooley: Joy from Georgia’s rise, pain from son’s firing
Vince Dooley's joy for Georgia's resurgence took a hit with his son's firing. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
On Sunday, when everybody associated with Georgia football was still basking in the afterglow of the season’s 10th victory and the anticipation of a dramatic flip at the top in the BCS standings, the Dooleys of Athens received a phone call from their son, Derek.
“I knew it was going to happen,” Vince Dooley said. “I felt for sure it was going to happen. Then on Sunday when he contacted us and told us, it was difficult. You hurt for your family. You hurt for your son.”
Seldom do the extreme highs and lows of competitive athletics collide like this.
Dooley hired Mark Richt and watched him win two SEC championships in his first five seasons. He saw the program slip back for a couple of seasons and Richt try to navigate through “crises” while four other SEC schools won six national championships and so many called for the coach’s head. Now the Bulldogs are more than relevant again. A second consecutive SEC title game berth awaits, a No. 3 national ranking provides a tease for something even greater and Richt has been listed as a national coach-of-the-year candidate.
“Coaching has always been about surviving a series of crises,” Dooley said Tuesday. “In Mark’s case, he had a charmed life. He didn’t have a lot of criticism until a couple of years ago. So I’m very pleased to see how he’s responded to that. He needed to right the ship and get back to the high standards again, and he’s done that. That doesn’t mean he won’t have another series of crises to deal with again one day. He will. Because once you get up there, you’ll always have crises.”
Derek Dooley told Vince that coaching the final game would be a distraction for the team. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
Tennessee allowed Derek Dooley three years of crises, then they fired him. It didn’t matter that the program was in a crises when the younger Dooley was hired. Lane Kiffin had bolted, and the school pointed to a burning building and told Dooley, “Fix it. Fast.” That was too great a feat for any coach to accomplish, let alone one making the leap from Louisiana Tech to the SEC, his genes notwithstanding.
But Vince Dooley understands the reality of coaching today: A man doesn’t go 4-19 in the SEC at programs like Tennessee and survive.
“I knew the situation,” he said. “They came very close in some big ballgames that unfortunately they didn’t win. I know [Tennessee athletic director] Dave Hart personally. He anguished over this. But in light of the situation I understand the decision. Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech in his first six seasons had 24 wins and 40 losses. In his sixth year he won two games. But until this season he was one of the winningest coaches in football. Coaches don’t get that
kind of time any more.”
Dooley said he had only one question for his son: Why was he not going to coach Tennessee’s final game at Kentucky?
“Derek said he requested that because he felt he would be distraction,” Dooley said. “He said all of the speculation about his job was a distraction before the Vanderbilt game and he felt that hurt the team (a 41-18 loss), so he didn’t want that to happen again. Once he said that, I admired his decision. I felt it was important to get that out because it’s not like they didn’t want him around.”
Barbara Dooley has taken firing the hardest, Vince said. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
Anybody close to Georgia football knows how much Vince and Barbara wanted their son to succeed. Dad would catch Tennessee’s game on television in press boxes around the SEC while traveling with the Bulldogs. Mom attended games in Knoxville, dressed in orange. When the schools met, Barbara never was conflicted.
“That’s my baby, and I’m pulling for Tennessee. If the Georgia people don’t understand that, then I just don’t get it,” she once said.
Barbara politely declined to speak Tuesday.
“It’s been difficult, especially on my wife, who takes things harder than I do,” Vince said. “That’s her baby. I told her it will take a while for the pain to go away. She’s hurting more than [Derek]. He’s handling it better than she is.”
Three more victories would heal a lot of wounds. Georgia has three games left: It’s a local rival (Georgia Tech), the SEC championship (Alabama) and a bowl game (in the Utopian experience of two more wins, it’s the BCS Championship game in Miami).
Dooley has been down this road before. He knows Richt is concerned that players’ minds might be on matters not related to the Georgia Tech game. That’s a danger, regardless of what the fans, the alumni, the media and the oddsmakers say.
Dooley, who hired Richt, happy that the coach has "righted the ship" at Georgia. (Joey Ivansco/AJC)
“Back in 1980 when we were undefeated before the Georgia Tech game, I had a player from the 1927 team talk to the players how they were in the same situation and ended up losing to Georgia Tech in the final game,” Dooley said. “It can happen — it has happened. You have people see that Tech maybe doesn’t have the direction Georgia does and you find yourself looking beyond this week, and that rubs off on players. As a coach, that worries you.”
With Vince Dooley, you always get a story. If it’s not about the Georgia team that went 9-0 in 1927 before losing to Tech 12-0, it’s about Charley Trippi coming back from World War II in 1945. Trippi was invoked when Dooley was asked about the Dogs’ early-season struggles with injuries and suspensions, even after four players returned.
“When Charley Trippi came out of the military, all the players expected he was going to be some Superman, and when he came back the rest of the team just sort of watched him,” he said. “They played LSU, and they just annihilated Trippi. It took a while for that team to respond to crisis. But they eventually did, and so did this team. I know it was devastating playing South Carolina and laying an egg there, and then playing poorly at Kentucky, although I did that plenty of times. But going down and beating Florida was big, and now here they are. I’m really pleased for the whole program and particularly for Mark, since [hiring him] was one of my last decisions.”
He’ll try to focus on that and let time heal everything else.
By Jeff Schultz
Kick bit and pull up a blog . . .
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• Georgia’s new reality: From on the brink to BCS title possibility
• Upsets launch Georgia into BCS title picture (updated game column)
• Short takes: Murray wakes up the offense
• Weekend Predictions: Dogs, Jackets, Falcons and the lust triangles
• Falcons’ flaws aren’t worse than any other NFL team
• College hoop kings provide rare thrills for Atlanta
• Falcons’ startling admission: Ray Edwards was a blunder
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467 comments Add your comment
Mobile Dawg
November 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
$102,000 per month for the next four years. Don’t know if I could lower my stand of living to that point. How does it feel to be that poor Jeff?
Greg
November 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
The difference in this year’s game will be Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Last year vs. GT, we had no run game to speak of. Crowell was hurt and out and all we had was 5′7 Carlton Thomas and 5′6 Brandon Harton. So basically the game was all on Murray and he still lit GT up. GT will be facing Gurley and Marshall this time which will make a huge difference.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
November 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
FLAT TIRE………..How you doing? You been fishing? I hope you have a good Turkey Day……If you travel be safe.
Thomas Brown
November 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
When you’re # 38 in won/lost record starting 1957, have not won a Major Bowl Game starting 1957, have lost 7 bowl games in a row, have won 1 conference championship starting 1957, graduate less than half your football scholarship recruits you run in here bragging have the highest high GPA and highest SAT scores of any team in the nation, have Lost 10 of the 11 games against your ONLY RIVAL’s coach, have 1 of your football players on America’s MOST WANTED FELONS, have a coach who says for Georgie tek fans to smash UGA fans in the face who dare to point out any of this, are on NCAA Probation and at 6-5 with 5 of the WORST LOSSES of any team in the nation, and still are playing in the ACC CHUMPionship Game, that should tell you all you need to know about Georgie tek.
But, then you come on to the UGA blogs and read their posts, and no they actually think they are better than us, play better teams that we do, and that they are smart telling us the polls are not supposed to and not designed to tell anyone how good a team is, even at the end of the seasons.
What we should all do, instead, is come in here, and ask them – they tell us, instead. They’ll tell us they are great and we are not great. And, when we are great, they will tell us with their fewer women than they have Asians. What a country.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
Buckeye
Good to see the Garbage Ohio St fanbase petitioning the president for a pardon
I guess since you’ve bought and paid the Northern media for decades to overlook the crimes that the Ohio St program does you thought this time its going to work as well; Guess not
Alphare
November 20th, 2012
3:01 pm
“Now the Bulldogs are more than relevant again. A second straight SEC title game berth awaits, a No. 3 national ranking provides a tease for something even greater and Richt has been listed as a national coach of the year candidate.”
What if dawgs lose SECCG and the cotton bowl? are they still relevant?
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:02 pm
I think it’s hurting kids. They can’t even talk to someone in a conversation. I can see them in an interview being ask a question and they txt the interviewer the answer……but on the flip side, us older guys looking for work in your 50’s are screwed if you haven’t kept up. people laugh when I ask them to “fax” me something. They are “fax” ? Really? LOL
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:03 pm
Poor Bob
GT hasnt won a BCS level bowl game in 50 years
Im pretty ok with it Patched. BCS bowl wins have never been of any real importance to me. Thanks for your concern though.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
November 20th, 2012
3:04 pm
Well I don’t think he has to worry about his Son-in-Law will get fired from a Head Coaching Job……….Has ANYBODY other that the 125 lb. Atlanta Colts called McGarity to talk about BOBO….Allison Dooley’s husband…..to be a Head Coach?
Greg
November 20th, 2012
3:04 pm
The difference in this year’s game will be Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Last year vs. GT, we had no run game to speak of. Crowell was hurt and out and all we had was 5′7 Carlton Thomas and 5′6 Brandon Harton. So basically the game was all on Murray and he still lit GT up. GT will be facing Gurley and Marshall this time which will make a huge difference
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:04 pm
What if dawgs lose SECCG and the cotton bowl? are they still relevant?
They won’t make the cotton bowl. They are stuck in the capitol one, or outback bowl like every year.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2012
3:05 pm
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
Happy Thanksgiving to you; nah I havent been able to go fishing in over 5 years; I want to go play golf but been to busy for that
dick whiskey
November 20th, 2012
3:07 pm
met coach dooley once really a class act,and as far as derek,the nine million dollar golden parachute should help his hurt feelings
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:07 pm
I’m thinking Dawgs could beat Tech 24-10….and never throw a pass. A steady dose of pounding on a very weak D at 5,6,8 yards a pop. Tech’s offense would ride the pines and stay stoved up all afternoon.
Revenge of the.......................
November 20th, 2012
3:08 pm
That stellar defense of Tech will be a real test for UGA. Howevere, I am sure the vaulted Tech D will do as fine as they have all year in that ever-so-challenging ACC juggernaut league.
Wake me up when UGA is back on Offense, as the Tech Offense is so damn boring with that highschool game plan. Throw the ball some Paul, we dare you.
atlvol55
November 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
Guess I would feel bad if my son was a complete coaching failure too…
On top of that Dooley will STEAL $5 million more from UT. Have some honor and turn the money down..
And, anyone close to the UT Athletic Department said Dooley was an absolute tyrant. No one could stand the guy. 6 assistant coaches left last season for either lateral or lower positions just to leave Dooley.
TAKE YOUR ORANGE PANTS AND DON’T EVER COME BACK!!
A-Ville Ranger
November 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
On a side note, Barbara has aged extremely well.
Rodster
November 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
Dooley does have them going the right direction at Tennessee. The next coach will have it a lot easier than Dooley did when he inherited that crap fest that Kiffin created. It’s a shame Dooley didn’t get one more year.
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
If the Dawgs bring the A game, this could get ugly. 51-7 ugly.
Rodster
November 20th, 2012
3:10 pm
10-4 A-ville. Barbara looks good.
Elvis in Memphis
November 20th, 2012
3:11 pm
I am watching the so called college football “experts” right now and ther is so much anti-Georgia stuff out there, especially Kevin Carter, the former Florida Gator. Georgia right now is a 4 point favorite in vegas over the number 1 team in the country Notre Dame if they played right now. Man that Georgia team is just awful ain’t it?
atlvol55
November 20th, 2012
3:11 pm
No Rodster its not a shame…
I”m guessing if Phillip Fulmer had a son that started coaching at UGA and was literally the worst coach in football and won 4 out of 23 SEC games, yeah, I would probably say he should continue coaching at UGA too…
Steve
November 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
Right again GTBob! Capital One or Outback every year! Since 2001 they have been to the Outback twice and Capital One twice. Also, the Capital One is not a bad bowl at all, not that Tech fans would know. UGA has been to the Sugar Bowl THREE times since 2001. Good work little Bobby!
Vampire Bill
November 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
Dear Derek, Your fired.. Here is 5 million.
Hmmmm not a bad deal
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
3:09 post is 5 years of irrelevance showing.
Steve
November 20th, 2012
3:14 pm
Not sure what the Capitol One Bowl is. I have heard of the Capital One Bowl though. Nice spelling, Tech grad.
RJ
November 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
Apparently many coaches in the Coaches poll also think Georgia is the 3rd best team in the nation. I will take their view as a qualified opinion.
Greg
November 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
Remember in 2009 when UGA beat then #7 GT in Atlanta when the “WE RUN THIS STATE” chant really started with Washaun Ealey and Caleb King running all over GT’s defense? Joe Cox was the QB and he didn’t attempt a pass that night. It’ll be similar this Saturday but Gurley and Marshall are way better than Ealey and King.
oldtimer
November 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
I have to laugh cause yesterday when Tech was backing into the ACC championship numerous Tech fans were criticizing Ga blogers for being on a site about Tech. Touche’
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:16 pm
Steve…I don’t think Tech grads post here. They are contributing to the economy and society somewhere. 40 year old’s in a white sweater with a big gold T on it living in their parents basement working on resume #12 post here…..who happen to like Tech.
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:20 pm
UGA has been to the Sugar Bowl THREE times since 2001.
How many of those times have happened recently?
DeezNutz
November 20th, 2012
3:21 pm
It amazes me that GTBob is consumed with convincing us that UGA is so over-rated and badly coached and such. Yet couldn’t care less that his Bees aren’t very good, playing in non-BCS bowls from time to time, with no hope of improving due to lack of recruiting ability due in part to an uninterested student body and alumni base. And yes, playing in front of a full house IS important when recruiting players, maybe even more so than academics. GASP! Say it ain’t so!
Alphare
November 20th, 2012
3:21 pm
Derek’s coaching ability is obviously limited. He got the geek solely because of his dad, like Kiffin and Shula before him.
People in the south like status quo.
Sumlin has success right away at TAM, whose recruiting is similar to TN’s.
Daddies can hook you up, but you still have to fight for your life once you are up.
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:22 pm
Remember in 2009 when UGA beat then #7 GT in Atlanta when the “WE RUN THIS STATE” chant really started with Washaun Ealey and Caleb King running all over GT’s defense?
I remember that. Whatever happened to Ealey and King? Have they gotten out of jail yet?
ugafan13
November 20th, 2012
3:23 pm
Derek, was set up to fail. DaRick Rogers and a cast of other hoolagans helped him along. Lane Kiffin escaped and got a huge payday and for what? He stinks @ USC too.
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:23 pm
They are taking online courses at Ga Tech I heard.
Steve
November 20th, 2012
3:23 pm
Ha Ha. Even when GTBob is wrong he can’t admit it and tries to come back with something else. Amazing. Poor little kid.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2012
3:23 pm
Its really funny……….
Its really funny GT Bob mentions UGA going to that awful Capitol One Bowl
Yea that is an awful bowl to go to
I mean thats where GT had their Joke UPI National Title game in 1990 against a #17 ranked team
Yea Bob I agree the Capital One bowl is a joke just like that joke UPI national title
One flew over the Cukoos
November 20th, 2012
3:25 pm
Hey Jeff,
Why don’t you give up this cross between Oprah and The View and start a football blog?
Steve
November 20th, 2012
3:25 pm
Not sure little GTBob, both King and Ealey were kicked off the team, which was the right move. Now, go ahead and comment and say how all UGA does is recruit kids who will get in trouble, even though these two were highly recruited all over the southeast.
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2012
3:25 pm
Bob
Tech 1 BCS bowl appearance in 50 years
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:26 pm
If Tennessee was smart, they would go for the steady hire vs the sexy hire. The guy at La. Tech who has won just about every game and has them ranked might work. I’d stay away from Petrino, Bowden, Cutcliff
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:26 pm
And yes, playing in front of a full house IS important when recruiting players, maybe even more so than academics.
Ok, what is your recommendation for how to fix that?
Very Old Dawg
November 20th, 2012
3:26 pm
GTBob, it doesn’t matter what you or any of the talking heads think or believe about the Dawgs’ chances against ALA. That’s why they play the game. Ask “no way they can lose” Oregon and K State. In our conference, you have to play your best to beat anyone, and when you do, you can.
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:27 pm
Ha Ha. Even when GTBob is wrong he can’t admit it and tries to come back with something else. Amazing. Poor little kid.
What was I wrong about?
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2012
3:27 pm
Bob
Has the GT player who was caught with 100lbs of dope in his trunk gotten out of jail yet
Just wondering
UGA83
November 20th, 2012
3:27 pm
Let’s see three years slary plus buyout equals something like $800k per SEC win? My heart goes out to him and his starving family this Thanksgiving.
ahsoisee
November 20th, 2012
3:28 pm
It makes no difference what we think. Vince Dooley is correct. The Tennessee fans pay the bill and expect to win. The AD and Tennessee must listen to the fans. When the fans quit coming, you have no other option than to make a change.
Yes, I expect Derek will probably get another chance in the near future to coach at another school. He did pretty well at his last job, and someone will be willing to give him another chance.
JB
November 20th, 2012
3:29 pm
Paul Johnson knows very well how to end up with a mediocre football team. Start with a good one. Real Tech folks know it’s just a matter of time. It’s over. We were told ” just wait till he gets HIS players to FIT his system….Really?
GTBob
November 20th, 2012
3:31 pm
Paul Johnson knows very well how to end up with a mediocre football team. Start with a good one.
He started with a good team?