[4] Dickey began his college career as a defensive back, but he remarkably advanced from seventh on the Gators' quarterback depth chart to starter after Haywood Sullivan's early departure for the Boston Red Sox left the Gators without a starting quarterback in 1952.

[7] From 1957 to 1963, he worked as an assistant football coach on the staff of Frank Broyles at the University of Arkansas.

[11][12][13] In his six seasons as head coach, his overall win–loss record at Tennessee was 46–15–4 (.738), and the Volunteers received five consecutive bowl invitations.

[14] One of the brainiest quarterbacks I ever saw.Dickey is credited with starting three Tennessee football traditions that endure today.

[2] He placed the iconic "Power T" decal on the sides of the Volunteers' helmets, had the Neyland Stadium end zones painted in an orange-and-white checkerboard pattern, and originated the Pride of the Southland marching band's "T" formation through which Volunteer players enter the field.

[17] Undeterred, Dickey recruited wide receiver Lester McClain, who was admitted and became the first black Volunteer football player.

[2] Rumors swirled that Dickey was planning to return to his alma mater to replace retiring Ray Graves as head coach.

[20] Dickey did not achieve the same level of success at Florida that he had at Tennessee, and he was replaced by Charley Pell after a 4–7 season in 1978.

In a 2010 interview, Dickey stated, "I didn't say to lay down, but I said to let 'em score," and later told players, "But at least try to block the extra point.