Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has been rewarded for his exceptional success with a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of his alma mater until December 2033. This two-year extension comes with a significant raise, making Smart the highest-paid coach in college football.

During his eight-year tenure, Smart has led the Bulldogs to unprecedented heights, boasting an impressive overall record of 94-16, including a remarkable 86-11 mark in the past seven seasons. Under his guidance, Georgia has clinched the SEC East title six times, secured the SEC championship twice, made three appearances in the College Football Playoff, reached the national title game three times, and won the national championship twice.

In 2022, the Bulldogs ended their 41-year national championship drought with a victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Title Game. The following year, they became the first team to win back-to-back national titles in the playoff era by defeating TCU. Moreover, Georgia's dominant run saw them achieve an extraordinary SEC record of 29 consecutive victories before falling to Alabama in the SEC championship game.

With this contract extension, Smart's annual salary has increased by $1.75 million, bringing his total annual earnings to a staggering $13 million, with the potential to earn an additional $1.55 million in bonuses. This puts Smart above Clemson's Dabo Swinney ($11 million) as the highest-paid coach in college football.

In addition to extending Smart's contract, Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks also received a contract extension. He will now serve through 2030 with a new annual salary of $1.275 million, accompanied by annual increases of $100,000.

Both contract extensions were unanimously approved on Thursday by the executive committee of the Georgia Athletic Association's board of directors, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Smart and Brooks during their respective tenures.

As a testament to his coaching prowess, Smart has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards. He has won the SEC Coach of the Year Award three times (2017, 2021, 2022) and was honored with the George Munger Award in 2017 as college football's coach of the year by the Maxwell Football Club. Prior to becoming a head coach, he also received the Broyles Award in 2009 as the sport's top assistant coach.

Smart had previously agreed to a 10-year contract extension in July 2022, valued at over $110 million. This new agreement further solidifies his status as one of the most successful and highly compensated coaches in college football.

The Georgia Bulldogs' decision to extend Kirby Smart's contract demonstrates their unwavering faith in his leadership and dedication to maintaining the program's winning tradition. With Smart at the helm, Georgia fans can continue to expect competitive and successful seasons for years to come.

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