The Arena Football League's Georgia franchise, based in Duluth, will announce Thursday that Dooley will join the organization in an advisory role. Dooley could become CEO of the Force after retiring as the University of Georgia's athletic director at the end of June.
Dooley will work with his son, Daniel, who is vice president of sales and marketing for the Force.
``Dad is not ready to retire by any means, and if he had his way he'd be athletic director,'' Daniel Dooley said. ``This is a way for him to stay in sports.''
Vince Dooley denied comment Wednesday, but his wife, Barbara, said she looks forward to having her husband and son working together.
``It will be fun,'' she said.
Including 25 years as head coach from 1964-88, Dooley has been with the Georgia athletic department for 40 years.
Dooley, 71, was turned down last summer when he asked University of Georgia president Michael Adams for an extension past his current contract. Adams' decision triggered protests by Georgia fans that have continued even after Adams named Dooley's top assistant, Damon Evans, as the new athletic director.
After Adams' decision was announced, Georgia Force owner Virgil Williams began his efforts to lure Dooley. According to reports, Williams has offered Dooley an ownership share.
Williams hired Daniel Dooley two months ago.
``It wasn't like a package deal,'' said Daniel Dooley. ``I didn't know if the Dad deal would happen.''
Georgia Force general manager Eddie Rockwell said Wednesday Dooley ``will finish out his role'' as athletic director.
``He is not going to be joining the Force in a full-time role, but there could be some involvement with him in the future,'' Rockwell said.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported on its Web site Wednesday that Dooley will join the Force as chairman of the team's advisory board. After his contract as athletic director expires, Dooley could become CEO and day-to-day operational chief.
Georgia senior associate athletic director Claude Felton said he did not know what role Dooley will assume with the AFL team.
``About all I know is it doesn't have any effect on his job here,'' Felton said.
The Georgia Force, which plays its home games in the Gwinnett Civic Center, opens its season Feb. 8 with a home game against New York.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/1/166121