Former Nick Saban staffer to run for senate in Georgia

After brief stint as an analyst under Nick Saban at Alabama, Derek Dooley has chosen his new career path.

Dooley announced on Monday his intention to run for senate in the state of Georgia as a republican challenging Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) next year.

“We need new leadership in Georgia,” Dooley said in his announcement. “That’s why I’m running for senate. I’m Derek Dooley. I’m going to work with President Trump, fight for you and always put Georgia first.”

Dooley is the son of former University of Georgia head coach Vince, Dooley who led the Bulldogs to six SEC titles and a national championship during his coach span from 1964-88.

Dooley would then begin his coaching career at Georgia as a graduate assistant in 1996. From there Dooley would have stops as a position coach at SMU, LSU and the Miami Dolphins before landing his first head coaching job at Louisiana Tech.

Following three seasons with the Bulldogs, Dooley would get his major break in the SEC as the head coach of Tennessee.

But after another three seasons with the Volunteers, Dooley was fired after posting a 15-21 record during that span.

Dooley would hold another string of roles which included serving as a receivers coach with the Dallas Cowboys, offensive coordinator with Missouri and becoming the tight ends coach for the New York Giants.

However, Dooley has not coached since his time with Saban and the Crimson Tide finished in 2023.

Dooley is now on a similar career trajectory to former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville who made the transition from coaching to politics as he was elected as one of Alabama’s senators in 2021.

Like Tuberville, Dooley views his political inexperience as a plus as he prepares for his campaign.

“I spent three decades in coaching, probably doing the exact opposite of what a lot of D.C. politicians were doing,” Dooley said in his ad. “I sat in kitchens and living rooms with people from all walks of life. The only thing that mattered was trying to create hope and opportunity for them and that family.”