AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- The man with a 30-year career in coaching football is now stepping into the political picture.

Derek Dooley is more than 10 years removed from his time at Tennessee as head coach, and was most recently a senior offensive analyst at Alabama.

But, the son of legendary Georgia football coach Vince Dooley is now taking his sports background into politics.

He says he’s wants to make an impact for Georgia in the nation’s capital.

“I think people go up there too long, they get too little done, they make too much money, and they become more concerned about their political careers than they are serving the people,” said Dooley.

Dooley joined Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Augusta business owner Brad Usry on this campaign stop for a panel discussion.

He says if elected, his top priorities are lowering taxes, public safety, and continuing President Trump’s work to secure the border.

“Everybody wants low taxes and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Everybody wants to be safe. Everybody wants a secure border. Everybody wants a strong military peace around the world,” he added.

Dooley also wants to reach young people across America.

“I’ve been in the young people business for my whole career. I have kids, and I know everybody’s got their kids. I have a tremendous amount of pride in this country, and I want them to have the same kind of pride. But we have a lot of work to do to help our next generation carry the torch,” Dooley said.

Kemp and Dooley expressed support for President Trump’s spending bill he recently signed into law, known as the “Big, Beautiful Bill”.

The former football coach has also been going around the Peach State talking to small business owners about how he can help them if elected.

Part of the bill calls for no tax on tips and overtime—something Usry says has been a big boost.

“I’m a pretty selfish guy, so no tax on tips and overtime makes me smile for my employees,” Usry said.

Dooley joins a very competitive senate race, challenging fellow Georgia Republicans Mike Collins and Buddy Carter.

But, Governor Kemp and his team have endorsed Dooley for the Senate seat, saying his campaign on common sense and Georgia values are what the Senate needs. 

“We gotta win, and that’s why I’m supporting Derek. I think he can win, he can stay on offense and remind people what Jon Ossoff’s real record is, but then also go up there and be part of the winning team to cut regulation, cut taxes, and to bring fiscal sanity,” said Kemp.

We asked Dooley how significant that is to his campaign.

“I’ve been really grateful for the governor’s endorsement, but the most important endorsement is going to be the people of Georgia. So, I’m rolling up my sleeves every day to get out here, meet everybody, tell them a little bit about who I am, and hopefully come May 19th, I’ll earn their support too,” said Dooley.

That Republican Primary is in May 2026.

The winner will face incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff next November.