Bill Dooley — one of the great pioneers in North Carolina football history — died Tuesday of natural causes at the age of 82, according to a statement released by the school.
After taking over a team that went 2-8 in 1966, Dooley guided the Tar Heels to three ACC titles and six bowl appearances in 11 seasons, including an 11-1 record in 1972 — which still stands as the best record in program history.
"Coach Dooley was a great coach and an even better man who made a lasting impact on this university and on college football as a whole," UNC football coach Larry Fedora said in a statement. "He touched the lives of the young men who played for him in a profound and special way. He proved that Carolina was a program that could produce a winning tradition and his legacy is something we strive to uphold each and every day."
Dooley's tenure was the longest of any UNC football coach, and only Dick Crum — who took over when Dooley became the head coach of Virginia Tech in 1978 — won more games (72) than the Mobile, Ala. native, who amassed a 69-53-2 record in Chapel Hill.
After nine seasons with the Hokies, Dooley coached Wake Forest for six years before retiring in 1992. Dooley earned ACC Coach of the Year honors in 1971 and finished his career with 161 wins.
"Coach Dooley helped change the course of college football," said former UNC football coach John Bunting, who played for Dooley from 1969-1971.
"He reversed the trend at UNC where he built a winner. The ACC, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest all benefited from his great leadership. But most importantly, he mentored character development to thousands of young men."
