Earl Ehrhart recalls meeting Kirby Smart only once, back in March 2016, before Smart stepped onto the field as Georgia’s head coach. Perhaps it was a hint that this coach was destined to excel in defense beyond any that came before him.

At that time, Ehrhart held the record as the longest-serving Republican in the Georgia House. Smart had arrived at the capitol with officials from the university’s athletics department and was asked how Georgia compared to the schools he previously worked for. His response led Ehrhart to propose a sudden amendment that altered the state’s open-records laws to align with those in the SEC, especially Alabama, where Smart had just spent nine seasons under Nick Saban.

Smart was said to be strategic and deliberate “from the very beginning” of his time at Georgia, as recounted by former Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity, who was present at the meeting. This adjustment eventually provided Georgia’s athletics department and other public colleges in the state up to 90 days to respond to open-records requests, a significant increase from the prior limit of three days.

When asked about the amendment’s potential benefits for the football program, Smart remained vague. Ehrhart stated it aimed to protect the identities of athletes being recruited by the Bulldogs. McGarity added that it was a relief for his overwhelmed staff faced with managing open records requests coming to the athletics department.

“I hope it brings us a national championship,” remarked then-Lieutenant Gov. Casey Cagle during the House session. Media outlets branded it as “Kirby’s Law,” a title Smart dismissed as “ridiculous.”

Smart highlighted the importance of a competitive advantage, arguing it was not about transparency but rather about leveling the playing field against other SEC schools, Ehrhart recalled in an interview with YSL News Sports last month.

Fast forward eight years and two national championships later, the idea of Georgia falling behind other teams in college football seems almost absurd. Few programs function as efficiently as Smart’s Georgia, with Alabama being the only significant challenger left.

Smart has now ascended to the position of the highest-paid college football coach in the United States, according to an analysis of coaching salaries published by YSL News Sports. This year, he became the first coach ever to surpass $13 million in annual salary from a single university after Georgia extended his contract through 2033 in May. His new salary represents an increase of approximately $2.5 million from his previous earnings in 2023 and is about $2 million more than Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, who is the second highest-paid coach at just over $11 million. This marks the largest disparity between the top two highest-paid coaches since YSL News Sports commenced its compensation database in 2006.

The new deal serves as recognition for Georgia’s success on the field and the financial prosperity it has generated, which Georgia president Jere Morehead described as “the definition of excellence for all of college football” during the announcement of the contract.

In comparison, Smart’s pay now greatly surpasses that of Kansas’ Bill Self and Arkansas’ John Calipari, who are the highest-paid men’s basketball coaches earning $8.65 million and $8 million respectively for the upcoming season. Smart’s earnings would rank him among the top 15 highest-earning CEOs in Georgia, based on 2023 AFL-CIO data. Only six coaches in American professional sports had higher earnings than Smart will this season, as reported by Sportico last year.

However, the optics of this situation are muddied by a string of traffic-related incidents involving Georgia football players, some of which have made headlines this season; the team’s graduation rates are among the lowest in the nation; and the critical question of accountability for a man who has likely become the highest-paid public servant in the country.

Kirby Smart and ‘the cost of leadership’ at Georgia

Smart has previously discussed “the costs of leadership” and reiterated this concept when addressing queries regarding the arrest of another Bulldogs player this month.

Junior wide receiver Colbie Young faced charges of battery and assault of an unborn child on Oct. 8 following an alleged incident with his former girlfriend at his home. Following this, Smart announced Young’s indefinite suspension until the legal situation was resolved.

Months after Coach Smart expelled wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas from the team due to a second arrest related to family violence, he spoke about the complexities of handling potential domestic violence cases. Smart acknowledged that these issues are particularly challenging when managing young athletes.

He stated, “When you’re managing a group of 130 players aged 17 to 23, issues will arise. Perfection isn’t achievable, and I admit that we have room for improvement,” he shared. “It’s tough on our staff since we have many exceptional individuals in our program.”

Smart added, “We just wish they would make wiser decisions off the field, and I carry a significant part of that responsibility. It’s challenging, but that is the burden of leadership. You’re evaluated based on those under your guidance, and you must confront the situation and act in the best interest of the players while continuously searching for a better approach.”

“We’re always looking for ways to make a difference in everything we do, from evaluating our players to their development as individuals, and their graduation rates. All of these elements are interconnected, and we need to keep improving,” he emphasized.

Smart’s situation has never been more critical.

In a news release issued in May, Georgia made it very clear that Smart’s salary places him at the top of college football. However, this status has increased scrutiny as off-field incidents continue to rise.

Since a tragic car crash on January 15, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, Georgia has recorded over 30 arrests or infractions for speeding, reckless driving, or racing, as reported by the Athens Banner-Herald, a member of the YSL News Network. Authorities indicated that LeCroy and former Georgia star Jalen Carter were allegedly racing at around 104 mph. Victoria Bowles, another former Georgia recruiting staff member who was in the backseat of LeCroy’s SUV, has settled with the University of Georgia Athletic Association without any party being held responsible, though she continues to pursue a lawsuit against Carter. Carter was drafted ninth overall in the June 2023 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smart reflected on the ordeal in the emergency room following the incident, describing it as “one of the toughest moments I have ever faced as a coach and a leader” during his initial remarks to the media in March 2023. At that time, he also assured reporters that the culture of the program was not at fault.

“Do young athletes make mistakes? Absolutely. They do everywhere, including here,” Smart commented. “There’s no lack of control within our program. I believe our players can attest to the incredible culture we have built.

Accidents and breaches of the law tarnish Georgia’s national title legacy

Moreover, the latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate for the Georgia football team, reported in December, ranked among the lowest 15 out of approximately 5,800 Division I teams across all sports. It stands as the second-worst in the 260 football teams within the division and the worst among the 130 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. These rates reflect six-year graduation statistics for individuals who entered the institution between 2013 and 2016, covering the tail end of Mark Richt’s tenure and the beginning of Smart’s leadership.

This recent data marks a concerning new low after three years of decline. Compounding this issue is the fact that a recent athletics department staffing list—obtained this summer by the YSL News Network—indicates that there are 21 employees within its Student Services division, with 17 of those roles incorporating terms like “academic” or “learning.” The overall Graduation Success Rate for Georgia athletics was more than double that of the football program.

The situation raises concerns, particularly with Smart receiving two lucrative contract extensions since 2022, provoking perceptions that Georgia may be indifferent to the issues occurring off the field as long as football victories continue.

“I believe there is a systemic problem as we have seen numerous similar incidents arise. Why isn’t there any messaging or disciplinary action from higher-ups indicating that such behavior is entirely unacceptable?” questioned Mark Nagel, the associate director at the College Sports Research Institute and a sports management professor at the University of South Carolina, which, like Georgia, participates in the Southeastern Conference.

“At some point, the pros and cons conflict,” he continued, “but that leniency often comes with high-level winning. We tend to ignore issues.”

The Georgia athletics department has not facilitated interviews with Smart or athletic director Josh Brooks for this article. Additionally, university president Morehead declined to comment through a spokesperson. Several faculty members associated with Georgia athletics also chose not to discuss Smart or the team when approached by YSL News Sports.

For the second straight year at SEC Media Days in July, Smart defended the culture and disciplinary methods of Georgia football, acknowledging that player behavior was “disappointing” while asserting, “we provide as much, if not more, education than any program in the country.”

Smart previously mentioned that the program has invited numerous guests, including UGA police officers.

The Police Department and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department are collaborating to educate players about the hazards of street racing. Georgia has also implemented what Smart refers to as “proactive” educational initiatives for players, including defensive driving courses.

“This must be one of the most frustrating situations he’s had to face,” McGarity stated, who served as Georgia’s athletics director when Smart was appointed and retired in 2020. “There’s no excuse for this behavior. There’s no justification for it. Even during my tenure at Georgia, we faced issues with sexual misconduct, firearms, and traffic violations on mopeds. It’s disappointing. The most serious infractions were those that escalated to felony levels or involved firearms. It always seems to be one problem after another, and the gravity of this situation is amplified due to the tragedy involved.”

Smart has been hesitant to discuss specific disciplinary actions, worried that it might “shame kids.” For example, Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, along with other players, missed the season opener against Clemson following a DUI arrest this summer. Etienne later entered a no-contest plea for reckless driving and pleaded guilty to underage alcohol possession, failing to maintain a lane, and a window-tint violation. Smart has also noted that players have received fines from the school’s name, image, and likeness collective.

Recently, cornerback Daniel Harris was arrested for reckless driving on September 12 when he was reportedly driving at 106 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone. Although he did travel with the team, he did not participate in Georgia’s following game against Kentucky.

“We continue to see players making poor choices,” Smart remarked to the media last month in response to Harris’ situation. “Our staff and I keep emphasizing the serious nature of these decisions. Speeding at that level is certainly life-threatening. We want these young men to mature, to be treated like our own children, and to make wise choices and learn from their missteps. We’ve had players share their experiences, and we keep communicating with them. Yet, it hasn’t stopped those poor choices, so we need to find a better way to address this.”

Craig Bohl, former football coach at Wyoming and North Dakota State, who is now the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, emphasized that Smart is currently the co-chair of the NCAA Football Rules Committee and genuinely cares about the sport. However, he preferred to discuss Smart’s handling of Georgia’s football issues in broader terms.

“It’s essential to recognize that we’re working with young men who are still maturing at different paces,” Bohl stated. “As a former coach, I support the decisions being made for the betterment of those young men and their programs. Each coach faces unique challenges and understands their team culture better than anyone else.”

The Value of Kirby Smart to Georgia

In many respects, Smart represents a fairy tale narrative for Georgia football.

He is the son of a Georgia high school football coach and became an all-SEC defensive back and team captain for the Bulldogs. He climbed the coaching ranks until he served as Saban’s right-hand man at Alabama, enjoying the opportunity to choose from various head-coaching positions. He ultimately waited for his alma mater to reach out, quickly turned into Alabama’s main rival in the SEC, and eventually secured back-to-back national championships.

However, the most significant impact is how Smart “truly transformed Georgia athletics financially,” according to McGarity. The former athletics director highlighted recent upgrades to the university’s track and field, soccer, and baseball facilities—projects either completed or planned—as evidence of what Smart’s successes mean for the school. The university allocated funds for these projects, along with nearly $150 million for a new indoor practice facility for football and enhancements to Sanford Stadium, all stemming from the revenue Smart generated as a result of his significant victories and his active engagement with donors.

“His success, the way he articulates his vision of achievement, and being a local Georgian, all contribute to football’s explosive growth at the university,” McGarity noted. “Now, all these facilities are receiving the attention that football dominated during my time there. It was vital to get football thriving because, if it didn’t succeed, many other initiatives would likely face financial hurdles.”

At this point, the university is doing everything possible to ensure that Smart feels content and has no unmet needs.

Georgia was among nine major conference schools to surpass what the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics termed the “crossover point” in a 2022 analysis. This threshold indicates schools are investing more in the salaries of their head football coach and 11 full-time assistant coaches than on student-athlete scholarships, medical expenses, and financial support for the entire athletics department.

This was before Smart became the highest-paid coach in the nation this spring.

“Currently, brand value is heavily influenced by performance, and winning is crucial for enhancing your athletic brand, which, in turn, is vital for the university’s overall brand,” Nagel explained. “Many institutions feel that even without precisely measuring Kirby Smart’s contribution compared to another top coach’s, the concern about losing progress on the field—falling from a top-five or top-10 ranking—fuels many decisions.”

The statistics can be astonishing.

For instance, Georgia currently has 70 staff members classified as “Athletics-Football” or “Athletics-Football Nutrition” this season, a noticeable increase from 59 in 2023.

In total, Georgia is spending over $29 million solely on its football staff and, without adjusting for inflation, allocated $20 million more to its football operations in the fiscal year 2023 compared to 2020, according to financial documents obtained by YSL News Sports. In fact, 106 Division I public universities reported having less than $29 million in total athletics expenses last year. For instance, Northern Illinois — the Mid-American Conference team that caused an upset against Notre Dame this season — recorded $26.4 million in total operating costs for its entire athletics department in fiscal year 2023.

However, under Coach Smart’s leadership, Georgia’s football program has experienced significant revenue growth. Back in Coach Richt’s final season in 2015, and without adjusting for inflation, Georgia generated approximately $123.8 million in total revenue from football, which included over $28 million from ticket sales and $33 million in donations. The latest revenue reports acquired by YSL News Sports indicate that Georgia now has over $210 million in total operating revenue, with more than $37 million from ticket sales and nearly $76 million from donations.

“His salary represents his skill and commitment; if he’s the highest-paid coach, then so be it,” Bohl commented on Smart. “But I truly believe he’s earning every dollar he makes.”

According to a study by the Knight Commission, carried out by the financial services firm CliftonLarsonAllen, it is predicted that by 2032, nearly half of the 68 power-conference schools will hit the “crossover point” due to rising revenue linked to media rights, especially with the added funds resulting from the expansion of the College Football Playoff in the coming decade.

Knight Commission CEO Amy Privette Perko mentioned that these rising revenues have mostly benefited college football coaches and labeled the crossover point as an indicator of a financially troubled system.

Jonathan Mariner, a former MLB CFO who is also a board member and co-chair of the finance committee at the Knight Foundation, raised the question of whether college programs might lose their non-profit status if they continue to pay coaches as professionals. He suggested that “perhaps there’s a point at which the NCAA needs to consider antitrust laws from Congress to regulate NIL benefits.”

Spending on salaries and buyouts has become routine in the realm of college athletics, particularly with the recent introduction of NIL benefits allowing college athletes to earn money. The increase in coaches’ salaries shows no signs of abating, especially among the top-tier college football coaches.

According to an analysis by YSL News Sports, this year features 12 coaches earning $9 million or more annually, a rise from six in 2022. Back in 2020, there was only one coach making over $9 million. Coach Smart’s salary has escalated from $3.75 million when he joined Georgia in December 2015 to $13.28 million in just nine years.

Since Smart took charge, Georgia will have paid him over $68 million in basic salary, alongside a $4.1 million buyout they owed Richt. This amount is actually lower than what other SEC schools like Alabama, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Florida are on track to spend on head coaching salaries and buyouts for those same years.

“While it may be difficult to justify the expenditure, it’s important to be fair to him by being proactive. I think the actions taken by Josh (Brooks) and the university president have been commendable,” McGarity remarked. “They recognize the financial landscape and appreciate what he’s achieved. I assure you, Kirby isn’t one to complain about his salary – that’s just not part of who he is but it’s crucial to value his contributions and acknowledge that he has accomplished extraordinary things.”

‘Kirby Smart is to Georgia what Nick Saban was to Alabama’

However, don’t tell Smart he’s merely filling Saban’s shoes; he’s not keen on that comparison.

Despite numerous inquiries since Saban’s retirement in January about his role as Saban’s successor, Smart quickly deflects such questions. It’s a title he prefers to avoid, at least for now.

“That’s not a position that is passed down or granted. You have to earn it. He earned it through many years of hard work. I’m not where he was,” Smart explained to CBS Sports in March. Saban completed his impressive 28-year coaching career with 292 total victories and seven national championships, six of which he claimed during his 17-year tenure at Alabama.

Nevertheless, Georgia football is thriving, leading to unavoidable comparisons. Under Smart, the program has achieved unprecedented success, exceeding even the legendary tenure of Vince Dooley. Smart holds an impressive .853 winning percentage, surpassing any of his predecessors and also outshining Saban and nearly all FBS coaches this century, except for Urban Meyer. The only downside is his 1-6 record against Alabama.

“Kirby has outperformed nearly everyone,” said Ehrhart, a former Georgia state legislator. “Kirby Smart is to Georgia what Nick Saban was to Alabama. He has elevated a strong program to astonishing new heights.”

Years later, Ehrhart hasn’t had the chance to interact with Smart again, other than occasionally seeing him during games. McGarity emphasizes that the Smart who addressed lawmakers nearly a decade ago “was not an intimidating figure. At that time, he hadn’t yet established himself as national champion.”

“He has rarely used the influential position that comes with his fame and wealth to advocate for the legislature on anything aside from one minor issue 15 years ago,” Ehrhart pointed out. “I’d say that’s quite commendable.”

However, having that influential position available is important, and acknowledging it highlights the authority Smart possesses, whether it’s altering laws that might impact his program or reshaping the surrounding narrative.

As the 2024 college football season kicked off, after Georgia proved itself as a top contender for the national championship by decisively defeating Clemson, Smart was once again questioned about the culture he has cultivated at Georgia. He redirected the inquiry into a caution for those attempting to undermine what he has established.

“What you understand internally is much deeper than the picture others may try to paint externally,” Smart remarked. “Some people take advantage of this for negative recruiting, but in the end, it often backfires on them.”

The highest-paid college football coach in the nation stood behind a podium, defending his position yet again.