Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, has cemented his place among college football’s elite—not just on the field, but in his paycheck. With a newly inked deal, Smart will now earn an unprecedented $13 million per year, making him the highest-paid college football coach in the nation and surpassing Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.
The historic contract comes as no surprise given Smart’s remarkable success at Georgia. Since taking the helm in 2016, he has transformed the Bulldogs into a powerhouse program, highlighted by back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. Under his leadership, Georgia has become a perennial title contender, boasting a dominant on-field performance and an unrelenting recruiting machine.
Smart’s new deal averages out to roughly $250,000 per week, a jaw-dropping figure that underscores his value not only to Georgia football but to the broader landscape of college athletics. The contract also signals the university’s commitment to maintaining its status as a national powerhouse and rewarding the architect behind its success.
“This is a reflection of what Coach Smart has achieved and what he means to the University of Georgia,” said Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks. “His leadership, vision, and relentless drive have elevated this program to historic heights, and we’re proud to have him leading the Dawgs for years to come.”
The new deal also comes with high expectations. While Smart has already delivered two national titles and multiple SEC championships, the pressure to sustain this level of success is immense. However, Smart has shown no signs of slowing down. Known for his tireless work ethic and intense focus, he continues to build a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the program.
For Georgia fans, the announcement solidifies their confidence in the team’s future. “Kirby deserves every penny,” said longtime fan Michael Davis. “He’s built something special here, and we’re lucky to have him.”
With his new title as the first $13 million coach in college football, Smart has set a new standard for coaching contracts. The deal not only reflects his contributions but also raises the bar for compensation across the sport.
As Georgia looks to defend its dominance, one thing is clear: Kirby Smart isn’t just leading the Bulldogs to victory—he’s redefining the game’s landscape, on and off the field.
