ATHENS — Once again, Kirby Smart is the highest-paid coach in college football. Only time will tell if he holds that distinction longer than last time.
The University of Georgia announced Thursday it had raised Smart’s salary to $13 million a year and extended his contract two more years. Smart received a 10-year, $112.5 million contract in 2022 that made him the college football’s top-paid coach. But that lasted only a month or so before Alabama’s Nick Saban and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney’s received salary adjustments to move them back ahead of Smart.
That represents a significant jump from the first contract the 48-year-old Smart received when he was hired as Georgia’s head coach in December 2015. He received a six-year deal that paid him $3.75 million annually. Since then, Smart has won two national championships and two SEC champions with the Bulldogs. Georgia has lost only two games in the past three seasons, going 43-2 during that span.
“I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program,” Smart said in a statement released by UGA shortly after the board’s action. “The current culture in collegiate athletics is ever-changing 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.”
Athletic director Josh Brooks pointed to Smart’s on-field success, as well his development of players as justification for the increase. The Bulldogs have produced 49 NFL draft picks in the past five years, more than any other program in the nation.
“I’m sure you will agree with me that his leadership of our program has been tremendous. This new contract is well-deserved,” Brooks said during a specially called meeting of the Georgia Athletic Association’s executive committee on video conference call.
Brooks, too, received a raise and contract extension. A 43-year-old native of Louisiana, Brooks’ contract was extended through June 2030, with an annual salary of $1.275 million that will increase by $100,000 each year of the agreement. The latest raise places Brooks in the middle of the pack for compensation among SEC athletic directors.
Brooks also can earn up to $200,000 in bonuses for top-20 finishes in the NCAA Director’s Cup standings and strong academic performances across the board in athletics. The Bulldogs finished No. 7 in the Director’s Cup this past year as an athletic program, but football was the worst in the SEC when it came to graduation rates and 10th in academic progress rate in the most recent six-year academic “cohort” examined.
“Josh Brooks has done a terrific job as athletic director and has positioned UGA athletics to thrive in a rapidly changing college sports landscape,” UGA President Jere Morehead said in a statement. “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.”
Brooks holds a master’s degree from UGA and attended LSU as an undergraduate.
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