TRADE DEADLINE: Kirby Smart rejected 78.5million offer from the…..
Georgia’s Kirby Smart becomes the nation’s highest-paid college football coach at $13m annually
Georgia’s Kirby Smart agreed to a contract extension Thursday that makes him the highest-paid coach in college football with an annual salary of $13 million.
Smart got a bump in salary of $1.75 million annually as part of the deal, which ties him to the Bulldogs through 2033. He could also receive up to $1.55 million per year in bonuses based on the new 12-team playoff structure, an increase from $1.3 million under the previous terms.
B also gave athletic director
a one-year extension to 2030 that raises his salary by $100,000 per year, taking it to $1.275 million over the course of the contract.
Brooks is also eligible for up to $200,000 in bonuses bases on the overall performance of the athletic program.
Smart surpassed Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, who is set to make $11 million in 2024, as the nation’s highest-paid coach.
Smart’s new deal takes the place of a 10-year extension worth more than $110 million that he signed in 2022 coming off his first national title. That contract started with $10.25 million in base salary and included annual raises taking the total compensation to $12.25 million in 2031
With a strong group of returning players, led by quarterback Carson Beck, Georgia is expected to remain a leading national championship contender in 2024.
“I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come,” Smart said.
The Bulldogs have lost only two games in the last three seasons, both to Alabama and now-retired coach Nick Saban.
Georgia President Jere W. Morehead said Smart has set “the definition of excellence for all of college football.”
“He has excited the Bulldog nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships,” Morehead added.
The 43-year-old Brooks has served as the head of Georgia’s athletic department since 2021.
“Josh Brooks has done a terrific job as athletic director and has positioned UGA athletics to thrive in a rapidly changing college sports landscape,” Morehead said. “Both Kirby and Josh love this university as loyal graduates. I congratulate both of them and look forward to their continued leadership in the years ahead.”
