Dooley, Bulldog Nation express surprise over Spurrier's exit

ATHENS - Vince Dooley, the former longtime coach and current athletic director at Georgia, expressed surprise Friday at Steve Spurrier's decision to step down as football coach of the Florida Gators.

``I don't think anyone in the country would not be surprised,'' Dooley said. ``It seems that what he wants to do is coach pro football and I can't imagine any other reason for him leaving other than that.''

Mark Richt, who became Georgia's football coach a year ago said, ``It's obvious to anyone who follows college football that coach Spurrier has done some great things at Florida over the past 12 seasons.

"He has an outstanding record and has had exceptional success on both the SEC and national levels.''

Dooley said he respected Spurrier's commitment to the game and has no doubt he will be a successful pro coach if that is his plan.

``Although I don't always agree with what he says, I am in agreement with many of his philosophies, especially some related to discipline,'' Dooley said.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/1/200600