University of North Carolina Athletics
Statements On The Passing Of Bill Dooley
August 9, 2016 | Football
ACC Commissioner John Swofford
“Bill Dooley had a profound impact on so many of us who played for him. He was, pure and simple, a football coach in the truest sense. He leaves a lasting legacy on the players he coached, the schools he represented, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the sport of college football. I was fortunate to have him as a part of my life for over four decades – as a coach, colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with Marie and the entire Dooley family.”
Mack Brown, UNC head football coach 1988-97:
“If the mark of a coach is to make a difference at his school and in the lives of his players, then Bill Dooley touched us all. He put North Carolina football back on the map. He won a lot of games and ACC championships and led the Tar Heels into post season bowl games. He understood kids, and valued the game. He knew the fine line between a 'come here' hug and a 'sic 'em' attitude. He never hesitated to share his knowledge and insight with those of us who followed. Most of all, he was my good friend, and I will miss him a lot.”
Don McCauley, 1969 and 1970 ACC Player of the Year:
“I was recruited by Coach Bill Dooley out of Garden City High School in New York. The main reason I chose UNC was my belief in Coach Dooley and the fact that he and his staff had dedicated themselves to putting UNC on the football map. Coach Dooley brought the SEC mentality to the ACC.
I credit Coach Dooley with teaching us that the harder you work, the harder it is to surrender; that winning is an attitude; and the invaluable lesson of discipline, both on and off the field.
These lessons helped me survive 11 years in the NFL. I thank Coach Dooley for giving my incredible teammates and me the opportunity to succeed. He certainly had a great impact on all of our lives.”
John Bunting, played for Coach Dooley at UNC and was head coach from 2001-06
"Coach Dooley helped change the course of college football. He reversed the trend at UNC where he built a winner. The ACC, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest all benefitted from his great leadership. But most importantly, he mentored character development to thousands of young men."
Woody Durham, former radio play-by-play voice of Carolina football
"Along with Coach Smith and Athletic Director Homer Rice, Coach Bill Dooley was instrumental in bringing me home to Carolina in 1971 to broadcast the games. He was an outstanding football coach at UNC and helped the Tar Heels to great success in the 1970s. I will miss his everlasting friendship and continued support of football and amateur sports in our state."
