UGA’s Kirby Smart becomes highest-paid football coach, signs extension

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is set to stay between the hedges for a while.

The university announced it had extended Smart through 2033 and athletic director Josh Brooks through 2030.

Smart agreed to a contract extension Thursday that makes him the highest-paid coach in college football with an annual salary of $13 million.

Smart got a bump in salary 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 new 12-team playoff structure, an increase from $1.3 million under the previous .

Smart has led the Bulldogs to an unprecedented era of dominance. The Dawgs won back-to-back national championships during a 29-game win streak that was finally snapped during this season’s SEC Championship game. The Dawgs bounced right back for the Orange Bowl, demolishing Florida State 63-3.

Under Smart, Georgia has compiled a dazzling record of 94-16 that includes a 56-9 mark in the SEC.

“I continue to be grateful and humbled by our istration’s commitment to our football program,” Smart said in a statement. “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.”

The Bulldogs have only lost two games in the last three seasons.

“I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come,” Smart said.

Georgia President Jere W. Morehead said Smart has set “the definition of excellence for all of college football.”

“He has excited the Bulldog nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships,” Morehead added.

Georgia also gave athletic director Josh Brooks a one-year extension to 2030 that raises his salary by $100,000 per year, taking it to $1.275 million over the course of the contract.

Brooks is also eligible for up to $200,000 in bonuses bases on the overall performance of the athletic program.

Brooks has been the athletic director since 2021 and has been with the department since 2016.