Derek Dooley Enters Georgia Senate Race
Derek Dooley, known for his coaching days at the University of Tennessee, is now seeking a Senate seat in Georgia. He’s swapped his usual coach’s attire for a suit and an American flag pin, stepping into the political arena ahead of this year’s important midterm elections.
After the primaries, Dooley mentioned his determination to “survive till the end” of the race. He’s focusing on undecided voters, drawing on the leadership lessons he gained throughout his coaching career in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His connections with prominent coaches like Nick Saban and Kirby Smart from his time in the SEC have also been instrumental.
Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia made remarkable strides, reaching three College Football Playoff national championship games and clinching consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022. Yet, the program’s success has faced challenges, especially concerning off-field issues, including some player-related driving incidents that tragically led to a fatality.
“The best thing Kirby did was win a lot of games,” Dooley remarked in a recent interview. He emphasized his long-standing respect for Smart, noting the inevitable mistakes young people make. But he expressed confidence in Smart’s ability to instill the right values and discipline among the players.
Dooley believes athletics can teach young individuals crucial values and help them avoid poor decisions, fostering positive futures. He reflected on the good that athletics can bring and praised Smart for the program’s recent successes.
Though Dooley’s last coaching position was as a senior offensive analyst at Alabama, he had previously worked alongside Smart as an assistant coach at LSU beginning in 2003 under Saban.
Recent incidents involving Georgia players have raised concerns. For instance, in 2024, linebacker Smale Mondon Jr. and offensive tackle Bo Hughley faced misdemeanor charges for reckless driving. Mondon, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, still highlights the ongoing issues within the program.
Smart publicly defended the program while acknowledging the need for improvement, commenting on the good character of most players and the necessity for accountability. He has mentioned implementing fines through Georgia’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) group as a form of punishment.
These driving incidents came after a tragic 2023 accident that claimed the lives of Devin Willock and a staff member. It was revealed that then-defensive lineman Jalen Carter was behind the wheel under a suspended license during the crash. He later faced legal repercussions, pleading no contest to reckless driving and racing.
Additionally, in March 2025, Smart suspended several players indefinitely, including receiver Nitro Tuggle and lineman Marquez Easley. Notably, last November, offensive lineman Nye Daniels was dismissed after a high-speed police chase where he was allegedly driving over 150 mph.
College Sports and Federal Involvement
The debate over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies remains contentious as federal lawmakers contemplate regulatory involvement in college athletics. Dooley cautions against Congressional interference, advocating for the NCAA’s autonomy to resolve its issues.
He stated, “Athletics inspire young people, imparting values like hard work and discipline. I don’t think Congress should intervene in college sports. They need some space to self-correct.”
Dooley’s Political Aspirations
This month, voters in Georgia will select which Republican candidates move forward to runoff elections, likely in June, where they’ll compete against independents, including incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff.
Dooley explained that his transition from football to politics was a natural evolution. He reflected on his extensive coaching career, highlighting his commitment to impacting young lives. Experiencing societal shifts during the pandemic and previous administration pushed him to become more politically active.
Furthermore, Dooley’s late father, Vince Dooley, left a significant mark as a legendary coach at the University of Georgia, leadings the team to a national championship in 1980, famously with Heisman-winner Herschel Walker on the roster.
As he engages with voters, Dooley noted the changes he’s observed in Congress and expressed a desire for collaborative leadership focused on uplifting the nation.
Georgia’s primary elections are set for May 19. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will face off in a runoff on June 16.
