Georgia Bulldogs UGA logoDan Magill, who had countless roles in Georgia's athletic department for 60 years until his retirement in 1995, died Saturday night in Athens at the age of 93.
Magill began his career serving the Bulldogs as a batboy in the 1930s, but he is best known for guiding Georgia's tennis program for 34 seasons. He stepped down from that position in 1988 after assembling a 706-183 record that included 13 Southeastern Conference outdoor championships, eight indoor titles and NCAA championships in 1985 and '87.
His role as tennis coach overlapped with his job as the university's sports information director, a title he held from 1949 to '77. He founded the Georgia Bulldog Club in 1953 and served as its secretary for 25 years.
"I don't know of anyone who contributed more to our program through his time, his commitment and his life," former Georgia athletic director and football coach Vince Dooley said through a university release. "He, more than anyone else, has always been the true Bulldog spirit of the Georgia people."
Years after his retirement, Magill still served as Georgia's athletic historian, and he routinely contributed articles for the Athens Banner-Herald. Georgia's tennis facility, widely regarded as one of the best in the nation, bears his name.
"Coach Magill is an absolute legend and in my mind the greatest Georgia Bulldog ever," professional tennis player John Isner said. "What he has done over his years is unmatched, and his impact on this school has been so big words cannot even describe. To me personally, Coach Magill was a great friend. I talked to him two or three times a week and always spoke to him after my matches."
Said former Bulldogs left guard and former Auburn coach Pat Dye: "I'll tell you how strong he was. He took an average student like me and promoted me to where I was named Academic All-America!"
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.