'Widely Seen as a Failure': Derek Dooley's Abysmal Coaching Record Overshadows U.S. Senate Campaign Launch
August 4, 2025
ESPN: “Derek Dooley was widely seen as a failure during his three years as head coach at Tennessee”
After launching his campaign for U.S. Senate, failed and fired former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley is once again fumbling the ball as coverage of his campaign is dominated by mentions of his abysmal coaching record.
Read for yourself:
ESPN: Ex-Tennessee coach Derek Dooley running for Senate in Georgia
August 4, 2025
- Dooley has never held elective office before. He says he’ll run as a political outsider […]
- Derek Dooley was widely seen as a failure during his three years as head coach at Tennessee, compiling a 15-21 record with the Volunteers before he was fired in 2012.
CBS Sports: Former Tennessee coach Derek Dooley announces Republican bid for Senate seat in Georgia
Brad Crawford | August 4, 2025
- After consecutive losing seasons, Dooley was fired after starting the 2012 campaign with a 4-7 record. Dooley went 4-19 against SEC competition and had lost 14 of his final 15 league games prior to his dismissal.
The New York Post: Ex-Tennessee coach Derek Dooley jumps into Georgia Senate race against Jon Ossoff
Ryan King | August 4, 2025
- After three seasons as the head football coach at Louisiana Tech, he was hired by the University of Tennessee in January 2010. Despite high hopes for the Volunteers, Dooley failed to record a winning season in three years and was fired with one game remaining in the 2012 campaign.
Bleacher Report: Former NFL, CFB Coach Derek Dooley to Run for U.S. Senate in Georgia as Republican
Andrew Peters | August 4, 2025
- His time with the Vols was mostly unsuccessful as he put together a 15-21 record before being fired in 2012.
National Football Post: Ex-Vols coach Derek Dooley running for U.S. Senate
August 4, 2025
- Dooley was head coach of the Volunteers for three seasons from 2010-12, compiling a 15-21 record with one bowl appearance. He was fired after a 4-7 season […]
- Dooley posted a 17-20 record in three seasons at Louisiana Tech (2007-09) before struggling at Tennessee.
