Vince Dooley

Vince Dooley (1932–2022) was born on September 4, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama. A legendary college football coach, accomplished author and passionate advocate for historic preservation, Dooley combined his love of history with his public influence to help protect America's battlefields.

During his celebrated career at the University of Georgia, Dooley led the Bulldogs football team to a national championship, six Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles and 20 bowl appearances. He served as head football coach from 1964 to 1988 and athletic director from 1979 to 2004. He was also the only person to serve as president of both the American Football Coaches Association and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

Beyond the gridiron, Dooley was an accomplished author and avid gardener. His passion for horticulture was recognized with the naming of the Dooley Blue Hydrangea in his honor.

Dooley's interest in history was lifelong. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in history from Auburn University and served on the Georgia Historical Society's Board of Curators from 2016 to 2018. As a member of the American Battlefield Trust's Board of Trustees, he brought his knowledge, enthusiasm and considerable public influence to the cause of battlefield preservation.

In 2018, the Trust added 180 acres to Kettle Creek Battlefield Park in Wilkes County, Georgia, tripling the size of this significant Revolutionary War battlefield. Dooley played a hands-on role in the effort, drawing upon his knowledge of the Battle of Kettle Creek and his deep connections throughout Georgia to help secure the historic property.

Dooley also generously contributed his time and resources to advance the Trust's preservation mission. He was a particularly effective ambassador on Capitol Hill, where his reputation and personal relationships helped build support for battlefield preservation. Legislators and congressional staff welcomed opportunities to meet with “Coach,” whose advocacy contributed to the protection of thousands of acres of historic battlefield land across the country.

Believing that preserved landscapes are essential to understanding and appreciating American history, Dooley became a dedicated and outspoken champion of the Trust's work. His leadership demonstrated how a passion for history, combined with a commitment to public service, could make a lasting difference in protecting the nation's historic places.

Vince Dooley passed away on October 28, 2022, at the age of 90. Remembered as both a college football legend and an ardent preservationist, he left an enduring legacy on the field and in the protection of America's hallowed ground. His commitment to preservation was further honored with the establishment of Georgia's Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund, a state matching grant program dedicated to protecting historic battlefield landscapes. Named in his memory, the fund ensures that his passion for preserving and sharing American history will continue to benefit future generations.