After leading the Georgia Bulldogs’ football team to its first national title in 41 years, coach Kirby Smart has agreed to a new 10-year deal that will earn him a record $112.5 million through the 2031 season.
Sources told ESPN that the $112.5 million total would be the most money ever paid to a college football coach. Smart’s average salary of $11.25 million would also be highest among coaches. The university announced the long-anticipated contract extension on Thursday. Smart will earn $10.25 million this season, with his salary inflating to $12.25 million by 2031.
“This is home for us, our roots run deep here,” Smart said in a statement. “My commitment to this university and our football program is unwavering. I’m thankful to president Jere Morehead and [athletic director] Josh Brooks for their continued support of Georgia football. It’s an honor being the head football coach at the University of Georgia, and while I’m certainly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, I’m confident the best is yet to come!”
Louisiana State University enticed Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame with a 10-year, $95 million contract that will give him $9 million this season. Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher agreed to a four-year extension eleven months ago that will net him $90 million over the next decade, and Clemson’s Dobo Swinney agreed to a 10-year, $93 million deal over three years ago. Alabama’s Nick Saban signed an extension in August that will pay him an average of $10.6 million through 2028. Michigan State also awarded Mel Tucker a 10-year, $95 million contract extension in November.
Smart, 46-years-old, agreed to a seven-year, $49 million extension in May 2018 that nearly doubled his earning from his original deal.
“Coach Smart’s impact on the University of Georgia extends far past his significant accolades as our head football coach,” Brooks said in a statement. “He and his wife [Mary Beth] are Bulldogs through and through, and it is evident that Athens and UGA mean as much to him as he means to us. I am excited for our football program’s continued success under his direction. The future of Georgia football remains bright with Coach Smart as its steadfast leader.”
A former Georgia defensive back, Smart has guided his program to a 65-15 record in six campaigns. His team has reached the College Football Playoffs twice and have played in five consecutive CFP or New Year’s Six bowl games. During his tenure, Georgia has been victorious, winning four SEC East titles and one SEC championship in 2017.
