Derek Dooley, former University of Tennessee football coach and son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley, is considering a Republican run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2026 against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Dooley, 56, announced on Friday that he would decide on a bid in the coming weeks.
“Georgia deserves stronger common-sense leadership in the U.S. Senate that represents all Georgians and focuses on results—not headlines,” Dooley said in a statement. “I believe our state needs a political outsider in Washington—not another career politician—to cut through the noise and partisanship and get … .”
Dooley’s potential candidacy emerges as Georgia Republicans seek a strong contender after Governor Brian Kemp declined to enter the race. The GOP field already includes declared candidates such as U.S. Rep. Buddy … , and activist Reagan Box. Other Republicans who could run include … , and state Sen. Greg D … .
Dooley has never run for … His appeal wouldn’t be based on his … –41 record at Louisiana Tech and … of Georgia coach Vince Dooley and … . As a teenager, Kemp was … and roomed with Derek’s … Kemp has the most effective Republican political … .
Dooley would be far from … His father was frequently discussed as a … but never took the plunge. Other coaches have gone far: former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tub … ; former Ohio State University coach Jim T … ; and University of Nebraska coaching legend Tom … .
Dooley walked on in football … He earned a law degree from the … . After that, he worked as an assistant coach for … , and the New York Giants. Most recently, Dooley was an … .
The 2026 United States Senate election in Georgia is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in the country. Incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, first elected in 2021, is running for a second term in office. Several Republicans have indicated interest in running, including U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Mike Collins; state agriculture commissioner Tyler Harper; and state insurance commissioner John F. King. Republican Governor Brian Kemp was seen as a major contender but announced in May 2025 that he would not run.
Dooley’s potential entry into the race adds a new dynamic to the Republican primary. His family ties and Kemp’s longstanding relationship with the Dooley family could bolster his campaign. The GOP is aiming to avoid past setbacks like the 2021 Senate losses to Democrats Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Cooperation between Kemp and Donald Trump aims to avoid the conflict that plagued … Trump had preferred then U.S. … . Then in 2022, … Kemp only swung in to help Walker … .
Dooley’s decision on whether to enter the race is expected in the coming weeks. If he decides to run, he would join a line of sports figures entering politics, similar to Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and former Ohio coach Jim Tressel. His candidacy would also test the appeal of political outsiders in a state that has become a key battleground in national politics.
