Derek Dooley launches campaign for Georgia Senate seat

• Dooley is expected to get support from popular Gov. Brian Kemp, who Republicans hoped would jump into the race himself. Several Kemp advisers have been working for Dooley's campaign.
• His top GOP rivals: Conservative firebrand Rep. Mike Collins who has closely aligned himself with Trump— and Rep. Buddy Carter.

What he's saying: "I'm running because our state needs new leadership in Washington D.C., and professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem," Dooley said in a statement announcing his bid.

• "I'm not part of the political establishment, and I haven't spent my life climbing the D.C. political ladder," he said. Being an "outsider" is expected to be a key part of his campaign.
• "The foundation of football is the American Spirit. You work hard, you play by the rules, you keep fighting when adversity hits—you have a fair shot at achieving your dreams," Dooley continued.

Zoom in: Dooley grew up in Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law and spent nearly 30 years as a college and professional football coach.

• Kemp's involvement in the race has reportedly caused tension with the White House, after an agreement that the camps would work together to find the best candidate to oust Ossoff.