The University of Georgia Athletic Association and head football coach Kirby Smart have agreed to a contract extension through the 2031 season that makes him the highest-paid coach at a public university, according to CBS Sports.
The 10-year deal, worth $111 million, will start by paying Smart an annual base salary and supplemental compensation for the upcoming 2022 campaign will be $10,250,000 for the upcoming 2022 season, with annual increases culminating in a $12,250,000 package by the 2031 season.
As outlined in a release on the Georgia athletics website, Smart's six seasons leading his alma mater's football program have produced the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship (the Bulldogs' first national title since 1980), a 2018 CFP title game appearance, the 2017 Southeastern Conference Championship, four SEC Eastern Division crowns, 66 wins and six bowl game victories.
Smart, 46, has been named SEC Coach of the Year twice since being hired in December of 2015, as well as coached 11 first round NFL draft picks and 45 overall.
"Coach Smart's impact on the University of Georgia extends far past his significant accolades as our head football coach," Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks said. "He and his wife are Bulldogs through and through, and it is evident that Athens and UGA mean as much to him as he means to us. I am excited for our football program's continued success under his direction. The future of Georgia Football remains bright with Coach Smart as its steadfast leader."
According to USA Today data cited by CBS Sports, Smart's previous annual salary stood at $7.13 million.
"Mary Beth, my family and I are excited and grateful for the extension of my agreement with the University of Georgia," Smart said. "This is home for us, our roots run deep here. My commitment to this university and our football program is unwavering. Im thankful to president Jere Morehead and Josh Brooks for their continued support of Georgia football. It's an honor being the head football coach at the University of Georgia, and while I'm certainly proud of what we've been able to accomplish, I'm confident the best is yet to come!"
"I am pleased that Coach Smart has made a long-term commitment to the University of Georgia," Morehead said. "I look forward to seeing his continued success with the Georgia Bulldogs for many years to come."
