By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
'Greatest Bulldog' Magill dies at 93
Legendary UGA figure led tennis team among many roles
Placeholder Image

Legendary University Georgia coach and historian Dan Magill, described by many as the greatest Georgia Bulldog of all time, died Saturday night in Athens at the age of 93, the athletic department has reported.

Magill, an Athens native, was associated with the university for 60 years. He retired as tennis coach in 1988 after 34 years and remained on the athletic department staff until his retirement in 1995.

Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson says Magill died of natural causes early Sunday morning at an assisted living facility Athens.

After retiring Magill ran the Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, housed in a building next to a tennis center on campus that bears his name.

"I don't know of anyone who contributed more to our program through his time, his commitment, his life," said former UGA athletic director and head football coach Vince Dooley. "He, more than anyone else, has always been the true Bulldog spirit of the Georgia people."

He also served UGA as Assistant Athletic Director for Public Relations 27 years as sports information director and 25 years as secretary of the Georgia Bulldog Club, which he founded in 1953.

In 1996, Magill was inducted into the UGA Circle of Honor. He's a member of the National Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and Southern Tennis Hall of Fame.

His tennis teams posted a 706-183 record with a record 13 Southeastern Conference outdoor championships and eight indoor league titles. He won two NCAA national championships in 1985 and '87. His players won five national collegiate individual championships.

Magill has been the recipient of both the NCAA National Coach of the Year and the J.D. Morgan Awards.

He brought the NCAA national men's tennis championships to Athens 25 times including 13 in a row from 1977-89.

Magill is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Reynaud Magill and three children. A private funeral is scheduled or 10 a.m. Thursday.

Friends to Follow social media