Many fans should expect Kirby Smart to walk the edge of this Georgia for a long time. Although this should be no surprise, given that they recently signed an extended deal that puts them under contract with UGA through 2031. But details released Thursday showed just how costly it would be for the members to change coaches if they were ever willing to do so.
According to sources, the $112.5 million deal is almost fully guaranteed through 2026. The Athens Banner-Herald, obtained a copy of the contract through an open-records request Thursday. As well as firing for a reason is the only way to submit Smart before January 1, 2027.
On that date, according to the Banner-Herald, the guaranteed portion of the contract balance drops to 85%, representing a massive increase from his previous contract, which had given his 65% of his salary if he was fired without a guaranteed reason.
What should we know about the deal?
Though Smart isn’t on the bench after winning the college football playoff national championship last season, life can change quickly, especially in the highly competitive SEC. Ed Orgeron and Jean Chisick were eventually sent to the national championship in less than two seasons, led by LSU and Auburn, respectively.
As per sources, it would also be costly for Smart to leave or retire before the end of the contract. If he were to leave the school on or before December 31, 2024, he would owe the school $5 million. From calendar year ’25 to ’27, that number has dropped to $4 million. This dropped to $3 million in ’28’ and $2 million in ’29.
Additionally, Smart is owed $1 million if he quits in one of the last two years of the contract. Smart will earn a base salary of $10.25 million for next season. That could add up to $1.525 million in bonuses, which is more than the Banner Herald’s $1.15 million. Smart, who is entering his seventh season as Georgia coach, is 66-15, including two national championship games.
Other Details About Kirby Smart:
Furthermore, Kirby Smart is an American football coach and former player. He is the head football coach at the University of Georgia. Smart was a defensive back for the University of Georgia Bulldogs from 1995 to 1998. Also, he then served as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama from 2007 to 2015, where he won two national championships.
Smart was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia. He played football at Bainbridge High School, a two-time All-State selection. Smart then attended the University of Georgia, where he played football from 1995 to 1998. He was a member of the 1996 national championship team.
After graduation, Smart began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida. Moreover, he then served as an assistant coach at Valdosta State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Alabama.
In 2016, Smart was hired as the head football coach at the University of Georgia. He has led the Bulldogs to two SEC championships and a national championship. In the last, He coached the 2021 Bulldogs to a national championship victory; their first title wins since 1980. Hence, he is the current head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, his alma mater. What do you think? Does Kirby Smart have what it takes to be a successful head coach? Leave your thoughts in the comments!