Louisiana Tech hires Derek Dooley as football coach

Dec 18, 2006 - 11:31 PM RUSTON, Louisiana (Ticker) - Just like his legendary father, Derek Dooley gets to run his own football program.

Louisiana Tech hired Dooley to become the 31st head coach in school history.

Dooley, an assistant coach for the Miami Dolphins the last two years, is the son of former Georgia coach and athletic director Vince Dooley, who guided Georgia to a national championship in 1980.

Prior to his time with the Dolphins, Dooley served five years on the staff at Louisiana State, including assistant head coach-special teams in 2004.

"From the very first time I met Derek Dooley, I was super impressed," Louisiana Tech president Dr. Dan Reneau said. "He is a man of integrity, character and high intelligence. He knows coaching from one end to the other. It's a new day for Louisiana Tech, and Derek Dooley is the man we need to lead us into this era of success."

During his two seasons with the Dolphins, Dooley coached Miami's tight ends including Randy McMichael, who finished fourth in the AFC among tight ends in receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2005.