Who is the highest paid coach in College Football? originally appeared on The Sporting News
Georgia’s head coach secures record $130 million deal, setting a new standard in the sport.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse in Athens, and now he’s being paid like it. The Bulldogs’ leader signed a contract worth $130 million over 10 years, making him the highest-paid coach in college football. His rise from Nick Saban’s defensive coordinator at Alabama to running the SEC’s most dominant program underscores why he commands such a price tag.
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Smart has the résumé to back it up. Since taking over Georgia in 2016, he’s delivered back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, plus three SEC crowns. His overall record sits at 108-20, a mark that puts him in elite company. That dominance has made him the face of college football’s new era.
The deal pays him $13 million annually, with the chance to earn another $1.5 million in bonuses tied to playoff and championship runs. The contract is fully guaranteed if he’s fired without cause until the end of 2028, and still 85% guaranteed beyond that.
Smart’s record in the College Football Playoff is 5-2, proving he thrives when the stage is biggest. For Georgia fans, this contract locks in the architect of a dynasty. For everyone else, it sets the bar for what sustained winning is worth.
College football has a new benchmark, and it’s wearing red and black in Athens.
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