ATLANTA — Derek Dooley, the former University of Tennessee football coach and son of late UGA coaching legend Vince Dooley, is entering the world of politics with a 2026 campaign for Senate in Georgia.

Dooley's campaign made the announcement early Monday morning. He has not previously run for political office but his entry into the race has been rumored for several weeks.

He joins a field of Republican primary contenders seeking their party's nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in the 2026 general election.

RELATED: Former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley considering Georgia Senate run

In a video accompanying the launch announcement, Dooley touted his early days growing up in Athens and his experience later in life as a coach.

"I sat in kitche

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