ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart is still the highest-paid coach in college football, earning $13.28 million annually, according to a report from USA Today on Wednesday.
Smart’s new contract solidifies his status as a top earner in the sport, surpassing Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian.
Smart’s compensation includes a base salary and a maximum bonus of $1.77 million. The University of Georgia, which extended Smart’s contract through 2033 earlier this year, also values the coach at $118 million in buyout clauses should the university part ways with him before the contract ends.
After a pay raise and contract extension in May 2024, Smart’s deal increased to $130 million over ten years. This latest boost places him well ahead of his peers, with Swinney’s total pay coming in second at $11.13 million and Sarkisian earning $10.6 million. Smart’s leadership of the Bulldogs to two national titles in recent years likely contributed to his substantial raise.
Smart's tenure with Georgia has been a dominant force since he took over the program in 2016. He has amassed a 96-14 record and led the Bulldogs to three consecutive 12-0 seasons. This impressive track record, including a 46-2 stretch over Georgia’s last 48 games and back-to-back national championships, has cemented his legacy as one of the top coaches in college football.
Top 10 Highest-Paid College Football Coaches in 2024:
- Kirby Smart - Georgia, SEC, $13,282,580
- Dabo Swinney - Clemson, ACC, $11,132,775
- Steve Sarkisian - Texas, SEC, $10,600,000
- Lincoln Riley - USC, Big Ten, $10,043,418
- Ryan Day - Ohio State, Big Ten, $10,021,250
- Mike Norvell - Florida State, ACC, $10,000,000
- Kalen DeBoer - Alabama, SEC, $10,000,000
- Brian Kelly - LSU, SEC, $9,975,000
- Mark Stoops - Kentucky, SEC, $9,013,600
- Lane Kiffin - Ole Miss, SEC, $9,000,000
