Georgia’s Kirby Smart Becomes Highest-Paid College Football Coach with $13 Million Annual Salary Extension
Georgia’s Kirby Smart has solidified his status as the highest-paid coach in college football with a lucrative contract extension that will keep him with the Bulldogs through 2033. Smart’s annual salary now stands at an impressive $13 million, a significant increase from his previous deal.
The new contract includes a bump in salary of $1.75 million annually, as well as the potential to earn up to $1.55 million per year in bonuses based on the new 12-team playoff structure. This extension places Smart ahead of Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, who is set to make $11 million in 2024.
Smart, who played for Georgia in the 1990s, has been a driving force behind the Bulldogs’ recent success. Under his leadership, Georgia has won back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, and consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. With a remarkable record of 94-16, including a 56-9 mark in the SEC, Smart has established himself as one of the premier coaches in college football.
In addition to Smart’s extension, athletic director Josh Brooks also received a contract extension that raises his salary by $100,000 per year. Brooks, who has been at the helm of Georgia’s athletic department since 2021, has been instrumental in the program’s success and is eligible for up to $200,000 in bonuses based on the overall performance of the athletic program.
Georgia President Jere W. Morehead praised both Smart and Brooks for their dedication to the university, stating that they have set the standard for excellence in college football. With a strong group of returning players, including quarterback Carson Beck, Georgia is poised to remain a top contender for the national championship in 2024.
Both Smart and Brooks expressed their commitment to the university and their excitement for the future of Georgia athletics. As the Bulldogs continue to thrive under their leadership, fans can expect more success on the field in the years to come.