From the Gridiron to the Governor’s Office: Former SEC Coach’s Surprising Political Play Unveiled

Who would’ve thought the sidelines might lead straight to the Senate? Derek Dooley, former Tennessee head coach and son of the legendary Vince Dooley, just tossed his hat into Georgia’s U.S. Senate race—unleashing a whole new playbook where football grit meets political grit. With his “Georgia First” rally cry, he’s aiming to bench the incumbent Jon Ossoff, accusing him of playing defense for the political elite while promising to quarterback alongside President Trump’s agenda. It’s a curious matchup: a man who once called plays on the gridiron now wants to call shots in Washington—highlighting a growing trend of former coaches swapping cleats for campaigns. Could the lessons learned rallying a team on Saturdays translate to leading a state on weekdays? Or is this just another unexpected fourth-quarter strategy? Either way, Dooley’s play is worth watching. LEARN MORE.

Donald Trump’s Lawyer Is Turning Heads (1:31)

It seems Tommy Tuberville isn’t the only former SEC football coach running for elected office. On Monday, ex-Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley announced his bid for the U.S. Senate, launching his campaign in his native state of Georgia against incumbent Jon Ossoff.

The Athens-born 57-year-old and son of former Bulldogs HC, Vince Dooley, is aiming to represent the Republican Party on Capitol Hill with his mantra of “Georgia First”.

“I’m running because our state needs leadership in Washington D.C., and professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem,” Dooley said in a statement. “Leadership matters. Our state doesn’t have a voice in the U.S. Senate who reflects Georgia values because Ossoff is more concerned with protecting his own political future, opposing everything the Trump administration is working to accomplish, and repeatedly voting with the radical left.”

“Unlike Ossoff, I’ll work with President Trump to implement his agenda, support his Administration, and move our country forward,” Dooley argued.

BREAKING: Former football coach Derek Dooley announces his bid for US Senate, ending months of speculation. Dooley, who has never held political office, is the son of the late UGA football coach Vince Dooley. #gapol #gasen @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/zUSmCz06Fk

— Jonathan O'Brien (@JOBrienWSB) August 4, 2025

“The foundation of football is the American Spirit. You work hard, you play by the rules, you keep fighting when adversity hits — you have a fair shot at achieving your dreams,” he continued. “As a coach, I wanted that for all my players. As your next U.S. Senator, I want that for all Georgians — and all Americans.”

Dooley also emphasized that he’s not a part of the “political establishment” and that his experience as a coach allowed him to “lead young people from all walks of life.”

With Monday’s release, Dooley becomes the latest in an increasingly long line of former head coaches who’ve ventured into the political realm — including the aforementioned Tuberville and Ohio State’s Jim Tressel who currently serves as Lieutenant Governor in the Buckeye State.

All three are members of the Republican Party and have expressed their support for the current MAGA president.

Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley wears the trophy helmet while celebrating with his players at the conclusion of winning the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. 0901 Kcsp Football30 Mp

© Michael Patrick, MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Dooley plans to run on hot button conservative issues like immigration, low taxes, the military and transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. As the coach of UT he posted a 15-21 record from 2010-2012, but was an assistant in the NFL as recently as 2023.

“I look forward to earning every single vote to finally give the people of Georgia a Senator who will put the first,” the coach said.