Kirby Smart Inks Historic $130 Million Deal, Becomes Highest-Paid College Coach

Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, has signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $130 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid coach in college football. The historic deal, which ties Smart to the Bulldogs through 2033, comes on the heels of his team winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.

Smart's new contract includes a $1.75 million annual salary increase and up to $1.55 million in bonuses per year based on the new 12-team playoff structure. His annual salary of $13 million surpasses that of Clemson's Dabo Swinney, who previously held the top spot at $11 million per year.

Reacting to the news, Smart expressed his gratitude and pride in representing his alma mater. "I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration's commitment to our football program,"Smart said in a statement. "I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come."

Georgia President Jere W. Morehead praised Smart's impact on the program, stating, "He has excited the Bulldog nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships." Athletic director Josh Brooks also received a one-year extension through 2030, with a $100,000 annual salary increase to $1.275 million and eligibility for up to $200,000 in bonuses based on the overall performance of the athletic program.

Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Smart has guided the Bulldogs to unprecedented heights, compiling a record of 94-16, including a 56-9 mark in the SEC. Under his leadership, Georgia has won two SEC titles, finished in the Top 10 of The Associated Press rankings for seven consecutive seasons, and consistently secured high-ranked recruiting classes.

Smart's team-first mentality and approach to the college football transfer portal have been key factors in the Bulldogs' success. Georgia safety Malaki Starks and wide receiver Miles Thornton shared insights into Smart's philosophy. Thornton quoted Smart as saying, "'If we lose you, that's OK. We will replace you... If you want to go somewhere else, that's fine. We will find two of you.' He keeps it 100%." Starks added, "[Smart] says, 'We don't have a guy, we have a team. Some teams have a guy. We have a team. There is no guy that stands out.'"

Despite losing 24 players to the transfer portal this offseason, with 20 leaving in the winter and only five going to another SEC team, Smart expressed support for the SEC's Feb. 1 deadline for players who want to transfer within the conference. He believes this deadline is important to prevent SEC teams from fighting over each other's rosters during the springtime and wants to see it become permanent to limit the back and forth between SEC teams after spring practice.

With Smart at the helm and a strong group of returning players led by quarterback Carson Beck, the Bulldogs are expected to remain a leading national championship contender in 2024. Smart's historic contract extension solidifies his commitment to the program and sets the stage for continued success in the years to come.