The UGA Athletic Board has approved a new contract for head football coach Kirby Smart. Smart was given a salary package described as $49 million for over seven years.
“Kirby has provided an incredible level of energy and excitement to our football program, and we look forward to his leadership for many years to come,” said J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.
“I’d like to first thank President Morehead and Greg McGarity for allowing me to lead this program,” said Smart. “I’m humbled by the faith they’ve placed in me and won’t ever take that for granted. I’d also like to thank our staff and our entire football family. Without their hard work and dedication, we wouldn’t have been able to have the kind of success we’ve had in such a short period of time.
CFB's 10 highest paid coaches based on average annual salary:
1. Meyer $8,485,559
2. Saban $8,275,000
3. Harbaugh $7,728,571
4. Fisher $7,500,000
5. Malzahn $7,000,000
5. Smart $7,000,000
7. Swinney $6,750,000
8. Mullen $6,000,000
8. Shaw $6,000,000
10. Herman $5,950,000— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) May 3, 2018
“As a young boy, I grew up in this great state dreaming of being a Bulldog,” he continued. “To have been able to do that—first as a player, and now as the head football coach—is beyond anything I ever dreamed. I do not take lightly the awesome responsibility of leading this program, and while I’m pleased with where we are as a program, I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re going in the future. You can rest assured that we will continue to work tirelessly to make Georgia football the best it can possibly be.
“Last, but not least, I want to express my gratitude and love for all our fans and thank them and the wonderful people of the State of Georgia for their tremendous support.”
Smart led the Bulldogs to a 13-2 record this past season along with an SEC championship, Rose Bowl title, and appearance in Georgia’s first College Football Playoff national championship game.
“In just two short years, Coach Smart has established a new level of excellence in UGA’s storied football program,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I look forward to his continued success and his strong support of this great university.”
Kirby Smart, Salary Progression
2009-10: $360,000
2010-11: $750,000
2011-12: $850,000
2012-13: $950,000
2013-14: $1.15M
2014-15: $1.35M
2015-16: $1.5M
2016-17: $3.75M
2017-18: $3.75M
2018-19: $7M pic.twitter.com/bikm7GCmSN
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 3, 2018