Smart releases statement on contract extension

Georgia coach Kirby Smart is “grateful and humbled” after becoming the highest paid coach in college football.

Smart, the Bulldogs’ ninth-year head coach, received a two-year contract extension (though 2033) and will make $13 million annually.

Smart issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, thanking UGA president Jere Morehead and third-year athletic director Josh Brooks.

“I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program,” Smart’s statement read. “The current culture in collegiate athletics is everchanging and as challenging as it has ever been, so I truly appreciate the leadership that our team is continually provided.

From Tray Littlefield, UGA Sports Communications…

Terms

· Coach Smart’s annual salary will increase to $13 million a year, making him the highest paid coach in college football. The length of his term now extends to December 31, 2033. This is an average increase of $1.75 million annually. Based on the new playoff structure, his maximum amount of bonuses per year will go from $1.3 million to $1.55 million.

· J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks’ term has been extended by one year, and his salary will go to $1,275,000, increasing by $100,000 each year of the agreement. His term is extended to 2030. There will also be incentives based on the athletic departments overall academic performance and top 20 or top 10 finishes in the Learfield Directors Cup. These bonuses will not exceed $200,000.

UGA President Jere W. Morehead

“The UGA Athletic Association and I are very pleased to extend the contracts of Josh Brooks and Kirby Smart,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Coach Smart’s unprecedented success is the definition of excellence for all of college football, and he has excited the Bulldog Nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships. Josh Brooks has done a terrific job as Athletic Director and has positioned UGA Athletics to thrive in a rapidly changing college sports landscape. Both Kirby and Josh love this university as loyal graduates. I congratulate both of them and look forward to their continued leadership in the years ahead.”

J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks

“I am extremely grateful for the trust placed in me by President Morehead and the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “Serving in this role and working alongside our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff is truly the privilege of a lifetime. I also want to thank President Morehead and the Board of Directors for Coach Smart’s well-deserved contract extension. His success in the first eight years leading our football program is unmatched, and his generosity and leadership as part of our university community has made a lasting impact.”

Head Football Coach Kirby Smart

“I want to thank President Morehead, Josh Brooks and the Board of Directors for extending my contract at the University of Georgia,” Smart said. “I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program. The current culture in collegiate athletics is everchanging and as challenging as it has ever been, so I truly appreciate the leadership that our team is continually provided. I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come.”

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