Georgia Extends Kirby Smart’s Contract: Becomes Highest-Paid Coach in College Football
This lucrative deal was greenlit by the University of Georgia’s board of directors during a meeting on Thursday, surpassing Smart’s previous salary of $10.75 million from his old contract.
The extension guarantees Smart’s position for the next five years, extending through the 2033 season. In response to this significant payday, Smart expressed gratitude, stating, “I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program.”
Acknowledging the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, Smart also praised the leadership provided by his team, expressing immense pride in representing his alma mater and anticipating a continued relationship for years to come.
Since taking over as head coach of the Bulldogs in 2016, Smart has led the team to back-to-back national championships in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His remarkable coaching prowess, evidenced by a 94-16 record and three-time SEC Coach of the Year accolades, solidifies his standing as one of the best in the business, particularly following the retirement of Alabama legend Nick Saban.
Speaking of Saban, who previously held the title of the richest college football coach with an annual salary of around $11.7 million, Smart’s new contract surpasses even that benchmark. Additionally, Smart stands to earn up to $1.55 million more in bonuses, underscoring the magnitude of this historic contract extension.