ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Derek Dooley is an unconventional candidate with a well-known name in Georgia.

A longtime collegiate and NFL football coach, and the son of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, he’s hoping name recognition and a fresh take on Georgia’s political issues will get him elected to the U.S. Senate.

Dooley is challenging Georgia’s current U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, for his seat in 2026. He’s joined in the race by Republican Congressmen Mike Collins of Georgia’s 10th district and Buddy Carter of the state’s 1st district.

Dooley has slated himself as a political outsider, something he says will work to his advantage. He also has something none of his fellow candidates have – the support of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Dooley and Kemp have been friends for decades — Kemp even roomed with Dooley’s brother at UGA — and Dooley is counting on the governor’s support during the election cycle. Kemp decided to forgo an attempt to unseat Ossoff.

“When Gov. Kemp decided he wasn’t going to run, I saw a great lane for me and began a dialogue with him,” said Dooley. “And while I’m grateful for all the support and education he has given me in this process, that’s not going to win me anything. The most important support I can get is rolling up my sleeves and earning it from the people of Georgia, and that’s what I intend to do.”

Dooley, who received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1990 and a law degree from the University of Georgia in 1994, did a brief stint in law before switching to full-time coaching.

He’s been a head coach, assistant coach and analyst for multiple college and NFL teams throughout his career, most notably spending three seasons as the head coach at the University of Tennessee in the hallowed Southeastern Conference.

Dooley, who was let go from his head coaching duties in 2012 after a three-year, 15-21 record, has already been the subject of attacks from both Democrats and even his Republican challengers.

“Everything’s fair game I guess in politics,” he said. “You look at my career, I was really part of some great teams. I mean, national champions, SEC champions, NFC division titles. But I was also on some teams that got their teeth kicked in. We had some tough years. What people don’t see is what you learn during those experiences. I mean, you learn so much about staying together, keeping a positive attitude, keep fighting for your team.”

Dooley said he’s hoping to get the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who he’s already met with at the White House.

Watch the entire interview with Senate candidate Derek Dooley on Sunday, Aug. 31 on the newest episode of On The Record.

On The Record is hosted by Atlanta News First anchor Rick Folbaum and political reporter Doug Reardon.

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