Details About Kirby Smart’s New 10-Year, $130 Million Contract with Georgia Football
Kirby Smart, the head coach of Georgia football, has signed a 10-year contract worth $130 million that is entirely guaranteed if he is dismissed without cause until the end of 2028. After that, 85% of the contract remains guaranteed according to a recently acquired contract amendment by the Athens Banner-Herald as part of the YSL News Network.
Announced on May 2, this new agreement includes a two-year extension and maintains similar buyout terms as the previous contract.
Smart’s annual salary will be $13 million, making him the highest-paid coach at a public university in college sports. Last year, he earned $10.5 million, which was expected to increase to $10.75 million this year.
His bonus potential has also risen, now ranging from a maximum of $1.525 million to $1.775 million per year.
Smart could earn additional bonuses based on his team’s performance in the upcoming 12-team playoff format:
- Participation in a first-round game: $250,000
- Reaching the quarterfinals: $500,000
- Advancing to the semifinals: $750,000
- Competing in the national championship game: $850,000
- Winning the national championship: $1.25 million
In addition, he will receive $100,000 for reaching the SEC championship game and another $200,000 if he wins it.
For bowl games that don’t involve playoffs, bonuses vary from $50,000 to $100,000.
If Smart were to step down, the buyout amounts are as follows:
- $5 million by December 31, 2026
- $4 million by December 31, 2029
- $3 million by December 31, 2030
- $2 million by December 31, 2031
- $1 million by December 31, 2033
Additional bonuses may be awarded for academic accomplishments and coach of the year honors.
In his ninth season with Georgia, Smart boasts a record of 97 wins and 17 losses, including two national championships and two SEC championships. Currently, Georgia stands at 3-1 and is ranked No. 5 in the nation as they prepare to play against Auburn this Saturday.