Vince Dooley, Legendary Georgia AD and Coach, Declares Kirby Smart as ‘Georgia’s Greatest Coach’
As Georgia Bulldogs fans across the nation prepare to celebrate Vince Dooley’s 90th birthday on Sunday, the iconic former athletic director and head coach has added another memorable moment to his storied legacy. In a recent interview, Dooley, who served as Georgia’s head football coach from 1964 to 1988 and later as athletic director, praised current head coach Kirby Smart, calling him “Georgia’s greatest coach.” The declaration comes as a monumental endorsement from a man who led the Bulldogs to their first national championship in over four decades.
Dooley’s words carry weight not just because of his stature within Georgia’s football history but also because of his remarkable record. During his 25 seasons as head coach, Dooley compiled a record of 201-77-10, claimed six Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, and led Georgia to the 1980 national championship with the help of Heisman Trophy-winning running back Herschel Walker. For decades, he was considered the benchmark of success in Athens. However, in his characteristic humility, Dooley has passed the torch to Smart, acknowledging the younger coach’s unprecedented achievements.
Kirby Smart, a former Georgia player under Dooley’s successor Ray Goff, took over the program in 2016. Since then, Smart has transformed the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse. His coaching tenure includes back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, five SEC East titles, and multiple top-tier recruiting classes that have consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Under his leadership, Georgia has become synonymous with defensive dominance, player development, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
When asked why he believes Smart has surpassed him, Dooley said, “It’s not just about the wins and championships, though Kirby’s record speaks for itself. It’s the way he’s taken Georgia football to a level of consistency and dominance that I don’t think we’ve ever seen. The program is in great hands, and it’s a credit to Kirby and his team.”
The relationship between Dooley and Smart has been one of mutual admiration. Smart often credits Dooley as a guiding influence and a symbol of what it means to lead Georgia football. During the Bulldogs’ national championship celebrations, Smart frequently acknowledged the legacy of the coaches who came before him, including Dooley. In fact, the team’s 2022 championship victory carried special significance, as it came shortly after Dooley’s 90th birthday celebration at Sanford Stadium.
Smart responded to Dooley’s comments with his characteristic humility, saying, “It’s an honor to hear those words from Coach Dooley. He laid the foundation for everything we’ve built here, and we’re just trying to uphold the standard he set for this program.
Dooley’s praise of Smart goes beyond the football field. As a historian, author, and passionate gardener, Dooley has always valued the development of character and leadership in young men. He sees in Smart a coach who emphasizes those same values, ensuring that Georgia football players excel not just athletically but also academically and personally.
“Kirby is not just a great coach; he’s a great leader,” Dooley said. “He cares about his players, their families, and their futures. That’s what makes him special.”
With the Bulldogs poised to contend for more championships in the years to come, Smart’s tenure appears far from over. Georgia’s fan base has embraced his approach, which combines a relentless drive to win with a deep respect for the program’s history. Smart’s ability to recruit and develop top talent, coupled with his adaptability as a coach, suggests that the Bulldogs’ dominance is likely to continue.
Dooley’s endorsement of Smart as Georgia’s greatest coach is not just a passing comment—it’s a recognition of a transformative era in Georgia football history. As the Bulldogs continue to thrive under Smart’s leadership, Dooley’s words serve as a reminder of the program’s storied past and its bright future.
While the spotlight is often on the players and coaches of today, Vince Dooley’s contributions to Georgia football remain a cornerstone of the program’s success. His 90th birthday is an occasion to celebrate not only his impact on the game but also his enduring legacy as a mentor, leader, and symbol of excellence.
As Bulldogs fans look forward to honoring Dooley this Sunday, they also have reason to celebrate the ongoing success of the program he helped build. With Kirby Smart at the helm and Vince Dooley’s blessing, Georgia football stands as a testament to tradition, excellence, and an unyielding pursuit of greatness.