Out of all the many respected and admired football coaches at the University of Georgia, how is it possible to only choose only three? With legendary names like Butts, Mehre, or Stegeman in the mix, how does one only choose three?
The easiest way to do so is by going with the coaches with the most wins. More than that, who won the most games, and the games that count the most? They are remembered, revered, celebrated and will inspire the fanbase forever.
So, who leads the list of favorite coaches among the Georgia fanbase of all time?
1. Vince Dooley
Let's make this easy to start and name the winningest football coach in Georgia football history, Vince Dooley. With a 201-77-10 record and the only national championship win until Kirby Smart in the modern era, Dooley occupies the top spot for most-loved coaches. After too long of a wait, he finally got due recognition when the university named the field at Sanford Stadium in his honor.
2. Kirby Smart
Smart's accomplishments speak for themself, two national championships in a row which ended the 40-year drought since Dooley won in the 80s, and an undefeated season for one of those titles. For those reasons alone, Smart ranks as one of the most loved coaches for Bulldog fans of all time.
And if it weren't for that loss to Alabama in the 2023 SEC Championship game, Smart could have added a third ring as well. Even so, Coach Smart has brought a quest for the National Championship to every season. Winning and winning more has won him the hearts of Dawg fans everywhere.
3. Mark Richt
Fifteen bowl games in a row and winning the SEC Championship twice brought a winning culture to UGA during the tenure of Mark Richt. His integrity and character added to the reason why he is well-loved by Bulldog Nation. But not ever winning the national championship overshadowed all of that in the end. Yet, Richt occupies the third spot of the most loved Georgia Football coaches.