Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart Signs New Long-Term Deal
In a monumental move for the University of Georgia football program, head coach Kirby Smart has officially signed a new long-term contract, securing his future with the Bulldogs for several more years. The deal, announced earlier today, reflects the university’s confidence in Smart’s leadership and acknowledges the remarkable success he has achieved during his tenure. With this new agreement, Georgia aims to solidify its position as a perennial powerhouse in college football.
The specifics of the contract include a lucrative salary increase and incentives tied to the team’s performance, including conference championships, playoff appearances, and national titles. The contract is reported to make Smart one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the program. Though exact figures have not been disclosed, early reports suggest the deal could be worth over $100 million, spread over a span of ten years.
Smart, who took over as head coach in 2016, has led the Bulldogs to unprecedented success in recent years. Under his guidance, Georgia claimed its first national championship in over four decades in 2022 and successfully defended the title in 2023. His teams have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation, consistently competing at the highest level.
In a statement released by the university, Smart expressed his gratitude and excitement about continuing his journey with the Bulldogs. “I’m incredibly thankful to the University of Georgia, our administration, and the fans for the trust they’ve placed in me. Coaching at Georgia is a tremendous honor, and I’m committed to keeping this program at the pinnacle of college football for years to come. My family and I are proud to call Athens home, and I look forward to many more seasons with the Dawg Nation.”
University of Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks also spoke about the extension, calling Smart a “transformational leader” for the football program. “Kirby has elevated Georgia football to heights we haven’t seen in decades, and his work ethic, passion, and dedication are unmatched. He not only brings success on the field but also instills a culture of discipline and integrity in our student-athletes. This new deal is a reflection of our shared belief in what we can continue to accomplish together.”
Since becoming head coach, Smart has compiled an impressive record, including multiple SEC championships, playoff appearances, and two national titles. His relentless recruiting efforts have consistently brought top-tier talent to Athens, and his ability to develop that talent has been evident in the team’s dominant performances year after year. Smart’s defensive schemes, in particular, have been hailed as some of the most innovative in the sport, and his ability to adapt and outcoach his competition has made him one of the most respected figures in college football.
The new deal is not only a commitment to Smart but also a signal to recruits and fans that Georgia is fully invested in sustaining its winning tradition. The Bulldogs have been recruiting at an elite level, and with Smart at the helm for the foreseeable future, that trend is expected to continue. The university is betting on Smart to keep the Bulldogs at the top of the college football world, both on the field and in the recruiting battles that fuel future success.
For Georgia fans, the announcement of Smart’s contract extension is cause for celebration. With their beloved coach locked in for the long haul, the future looks bright in Athens. The Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as one of the elite programs in college football, and under Kirby Smart’s leadership, they appear poised to remain a dominant force for years to come.
As the ink dries on this historic contract, the next chapter of Georgia football under Kirby Smart begins—with championship expectations higher than ever.
