Kirby Smart becomes the highest-paid head coach after receiving a contract extension.
Kirby Smart, the head coach of Georgia football, was revealed to have signed a record-breaking contract extension that will increase his yearly income to $13 million. On Thursday, UGA Athletics made a statement. He is currently the highest-paid college football coach as a result of this. The UGA Athletic Association Board held a “telephone meeting” before making the news.
In a news statement, Smart stated, “I want to thank President [Jere] Morehead, [athletic director] Josh Brooks, and the Board of Directors for extending my contract at the University of Georgia.” “Our administration’s dedication to our football program keeps me humbled and appreciative. I genuinely value the leadership that our team always displays because the collegiate athletics culture is evolving and more demanding than ever. Representing my alma mater gives me great pride, and I hope that our relationship will last for many more years.
The new terms of Smart’s contract, which will expire on December 31, 2033, include an average salary rise of $1.75 million. His bonuses now range from $1.3 million to $1.55 million depending on how well the Bulldogs fare in the postseason under the new 12-team playoff format.
The UGA Athletics Board also granted an extension to Josh Brooks, the athletic director.
“President Morehead and the UGA Athletic Association have my sincere gratitude for their trust in me,” Brooks remarked. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with our exceptional student-athletes, coaches, and staff in this capacity.
The agreement has been extended by one year until 2030, and Brooks will now get a salary of $1,275,000 with annual increases of $100,000. Incentives for Brooks will also be determined by his contract; these could include placing in the top 10 or top 20 of the Learfield Directors Cup.
Year after year, Georgia football under Smart has developed into one of the top teams in college football. The squad has three national titles under Smart’s leadership, with two of those coming in 2021 and 2022.
In addition, he has earned six SEC Eastern Division crowns, two SEC championships, and the most NFL draft selections—63—of any coach in their first eight years of coaching. In addition, Smart just achieved the rare distinction of leading his collegiate head coaching program in first-round draft selections over losses.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors and President Morehead for granting Coach Smart a well-earned contract extension. His leadership and kindness within our campus community have left a lasting impression, and his success in his first eight years as our football program’s head coach is unparalleled.
Georgia has excelled in all sports under Brooks’ leadership. Apart from the football team’s two national championships, Brooks has contributed to other SEC tennis titles, like as Ethan Quinn’s individual title, the soccer team’s 2023 SEC tournament victory, and generally excellent results in all sports.
With the best finish the program has experienced in the previous eighteen years, Brooks and Georgia Athletics placed seventh in the 2023 Learfield Directors Cup thanks to these outstanding efforts.
With Brooks’ record-breaking extension and Smart’s record-breaking one, the Bulldogs seem well-positioned for the next five years.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead stated, “The UGA Athletic Association and I are very pleased to extend the contracts of Josh Brooks and Kirby Smart.” “After winning two national titles, Coach Smart’s extraordinary accomplishment is the epitome of excellence for college football, and he has Bulldog Nation thrilled about what is to come. In his role as athletic director, Josh Brooks has done a fantastic job setting up UGA Athletics for success in a college athletics environment that is evolving quickly. As devoted alumni, Kirby and Josh both adore this university. I’d want to congratulate them both and wish them continuing success as leaders in the years to come.
