On May 2, Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, reclaimed his title as the highest-paid coach in college football. The University of Georgia announced that it had increased Smart's annual salary to $13 million and extended his contract for an additional two years.
"I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration's commitment to our football program," Smart said. "The current landscape of collegiate athletics is constantly evolving and as challenging as it has ever been. Therefore, I truly value the guidance that our team consistently receives. I take immense pride in representing my alma mater and eagerly anticipate continuing this relationship for many more years."
Smart initially became the highest-paid college football coach in 2022 when he signed a 10-year, $112.5 million contract with UGA. However, just a month later, Nick Saban of Alabama and Dabo Swinney of Clemson surpassed him.
Saban retired in January, and Smart's salary increase to $13 million suggests that he may maintain this status for a longer period now.
As Georgia's coach for nine seasons, Smart has led the Bulldogs to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022, along with a record-breaking 29 consecutive victories in the SEC before losing the SEC championship to Alabama last season.
Additionally, the Bulldogs have produced 49 NFL draft picks in the last five years, more than any other program in the nation. Athletic director Josh Brooks cited Smart's on-field success as the rationale behind his salary increase.
"I'm certain you will concur that his leadership of our program has been exceptional. This new contract is well-earned," Brooks remarked during a video conference.
Brooks also received a raise of $1.275 million annually and a contract extension through 2030.