UGA makes Kirby Smart highest-paid coach in college football

Kirby Smart is now the highest paid coach in college football, the University of Georgia officially announced on Thursday.

The University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors approved a two-year contract extension for Kirby Smart, which includes a raise of $1.75 million per year.

That means that Kirby Smart will now make $13 million per season through December of 2033. Additionally, Smart can garner up to $1.55 million in incentives per season based on the on-field success of the Bulldogs.

During his eight seasons as the head coach in Athens, Kirby Smart has led the Georgia Bulldogs to two College Football Playoff National Championships, three College Football Playoff Semifinal victories, including a Rose Bowl win over Oklahoma, two SEC championships, and six SEC East Division titles.

Kirby Smart has an overall record of 94-16 with Georgia, including a 56-9 record in SEC play.

The Executive Committee of the UGA Athletic
Association Board of Directors also announced they have approved a contract extensions for J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks through 2030.

UGA President Jere W. Morehead

“The UGA Athletic Association and I are very pleased to extend the contracts of Josh Brooks and Kirby Smart,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Coach Smart’s unprecedented success is the definition of excellence for all of college football, and he has excited the Bulldog Nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships. Josh Brooks has done a terrific job as Athletic Director and has positioned UGA Athletics to thrive in a rapidly changing college sports landscape. 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.”

Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks

“I am extremely grateful for the trust placed in me by President Morehead and the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “Serving in this role and working alongside our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff is truly the privilege of a lifetime. I also want to thank President Morehead and the Board of Directors for Coach Smart’s well-deserved contract extension. His success in the first eight years leading our football program is unmatched, and his generosity and leadership as part of our university community has made a lasting impact.”

Head Football Coach Kirby Smart

“I want to thank President Morehead, Josh Brooks and the Board of Directors for extending my contract at the University of Georgia,” Smart said. “I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program. The current culture in collegiate athletics is everchanging and as challenging as it has ever been, so I truly appreciate the leadership that our team is continually provided. I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come.”

Locked In.

The Executive Committee of the UGA Athletic
Association Board of Directors has approved contract extensions for head football coach @KirbySmartUGA and J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics @Brooks_UGA.

Smart’s contract now runs through 2033 and Brooks through 2030.… pic.twitter.com/2S0QtWDs0s

— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) May 2, 2024