 In 2008, Dooley led Louisiana Tech to its first postseason victory in 30 years and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association Coach of the Year.Prior to becoming a head coach

On March 6, 2008, Dooley was named the Athletics Director of Louisiana Tech University replacing former AD Jim Oakes.During his tenure, Dooley implemented a complete overhaul of the infrastructure of the athletics department from staffing, to facilities, to external and internal operations of the athletic department from the ground up.