ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia’s Kirby Smart has agreed to a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid coach in college football with an annual salary of $13 million.
Smart received a salary increase 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 team’s new playoff structure. 12 teams, a $1.3 million increase over previous terms.
Georgia also gave athletic director Josh Brooks a one-year extension through 2030 that increases his salary by $100,000 per year, bringing it to $1.275 million over the life of the contract.
Brooks is also eligible for up to $200,000 in bonuses based on the overall performance of the athletic program.
Smart surpassed Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, who is set to earn $11 million in 2024, as the nation’s highest-paid coach.
Smart’s new deal replaces a 10-year extension worth more than $110 million he signed in 2022 after his first national title. That contract started with $10.25 million in base salary and included annual raises, bringing total compensation to $12.25 million in 2031.
“I remain grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program,” Smart said in a statement. “The current culture in college athletics is constantly changing and as challenging as it has ever been, so I truly appreciate the leadership our team continually provides.”
Smart, who played defensive back at Georgia in the 1990s, has guided the program to unprecedented heights since taking over as head coach in 2016.
The Bulldogs won back-to-back national titles during the 2021 and ’22 seasons, and went on an unprecedented strong three-peat run last season before suffering their only loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game.
Under Smart, Georgia has compiled a dazzling 94-16 record that includes a 56-9 mark in the SEC. The Bulldogs have won two SEC titles, finished in the Top 10 of the Associated Press rankings the past seven seasons and have consistently garnered top-tier recruiting classes throughout his tenure.
With a strong group of returning players, led by quarterback Carson Beck, Georgia is expected to remain a top national championship contender in 2024.
“I am immensely proud to represent my alma mater and hope this relationship continues for many years to come,” Smart said.
The Bulldogs have lost just two games over the past three seasons to both Alabama and retired coach Nick Saban.
Georgia President Jere W. Morehead said Smart set “the definition of excellence for all of college football.”
“He has excited Bulldog Nation for what is yet to come after winning two national championships,” Morehead added.
Brooks, 43, has served as head of Georgia’s athletics department since 2021.
“Josh Brooks has done an excellent 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 them both and look forward to their continued leadership in the years to come.”
