Kirby Smart Salary: Everything You Need To Know

Cathy Emmerich 04 Aug 2025

Kirby Smart Salary refers to the yearly compensation earned by Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team. With a base salary of $7.1 million, Smart is among the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Kirby Smart's salary is a reflection of his success in leading the Bulldogs to three Southeastern Conference championships and the 2021 College Football National Championship. His salary has increased significantly since he was hired in 2016, and it is likely to continue to rise as he continues to lead the Bulldogs to success on the field.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Kirby Smart's salary, including his base salary, bonuses, and incentives. We will also discuss the factors that have contributed to his high salary, and we will compare his salary to those of other top college football coaches.

Kirby Smart Salary

Kirby Smart's salary is a reflection of his success as a head coach. He has led the Georgia Bulldogs to three Southeastern Conference championships and the 2021 College Football National Championship. His salary is also a reflection of the importance of college football in the United States. College football is a big business, and the top coaches are paid handsomely.

Base salary
Bonuses
Incentives
Contract length
Performance incentives
Cost of living
Market value
Supply and demand
Negotiation skills
Agent

Kirby Smart's salary is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. By understanding these factors, we can better understand the role of money in college football and the importance of success on the field.

Name	Kirby Smart
Born	December 23, 1975
Birth Place	Montgomery, Alabama
Nationality	American
Occupation	College football coach
Years active	1999present
Teams Coached	Valdosta State Blazers (20062007)Georgia Bulldogs (2016present)
Salary	$7.1 million

Base salary

Base salary is the fixed amount of money that an employee is paid for their work, regardless of the number of hours worked or the level of performance. In the context of Kirby Smart's salary, his base salary is $7.1 million. This is the amount of money that he is guaranteed to earn each year, regardless of whether the Bulldogs win or lose.

Guaranteed money
The base salary is guaranteed money, meaning that Smart will receive this amount regardless of the team's performance.
Negotiated amount
The base salary is negotiated between Smart and the University of Georgia. The amount is based on a number of factors, including Smart's experience, success, and the market value for head football coaches.
Part of total salary
The base salary is just one part of Smart's total salary. He also receives bonuses and incentives, which can increase his total salary significantly.
Foundation for future earnings
The base salary is the foundation for Smart's future earnings. If he is successful at Georgia, he can expect to receive a raise in his base salary, as well as additional bonuses and incentives.

Kirby Smart's base salary is a reflection of his status as one of the top college football coaches in the country. He has led the Bulldogs to three Southeastern Conference championships and the 2021 College Football National Championship. His success on the field has earned him a high base salary, as well as additional bonuses and incentives.

Bonuses

Bonuses are an important part of Kirby Smart's salary. In addition to his base salary, Smart can earn bonuses for winning games, winning championships, and achieving other performance goals. These bonuses can significantly increase his total salary.

Win bonuses
Smart earns a bonus for each game that the Bulldogs win. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the opponent and the importance of the game. For example, Smart earned a $250,000 bonus for winning the 2021 College Football National Championship.
Championship bonuses
Smart also earns a bonus for winning championships. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the championship. For example, Smart earned a $1 million bonus for winning the 2021 SEC Championship Game.
Performance bonuses
Smart can also earn bonuses for achieving other performance goals, such as finishing the season with a certain number of wins or finishing in the top 10 of the final AP Poll. These bonuses are typically smaller than win bonuses and championship bonuses, but they can still add up to a significant amount of money.
Retention bonuses
Smart may also be eligible for a retention bonus if he remains the head coach of the Bulldogs for a certain period of time. These bonuses are designed to encourage Smart to stay at Georgia and not pursue other coaching opportunities.

Bonuses are an important part of Kirby Smart's salary. They can significantly increase his total salary and reward him for success on the field. Bonuses are also a way for the University of Georgia to show their appreciation for Smart's leadership and commitment to the program.

Incentives

Incentives are an important part of Kirby Smart's salary. In addition to his base salary and bonuses, Smart can also earn incentives for achieving certain performance goals. These incentives can significantly increase his total salary.

One of the most important incentives for Smart is the championship incentive. Smart earns a bonus for winning the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff National Championship. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the championship. For example, Smart earned a $1 million bonus for winning the 2021 SEC Championship Game and a $2.5 million bonus for winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship.

In addition to the championship incentive, Smart can also earn incentives for other performance goals, such as finishing the season with a certain number of wins or finishing in the top 10 of the final AP Poll. These incentives are typically smaller than the championship incentive, but they can still add up to a significant amount of money.

Incentives are an important part of Kirby Smart's salary because they reward him for success on the field. They also help to align Smart's goals with the goals of the University of Georgia. By incentivizing Smart to win games and championships, the University of Georgia is increasing the likelihood that the Bulldogs will be successful on the field.

Contract length

Contract length is an important component of Kirby Smart's salary. The longer his contract, the more security he has and the more likely he is to receive a higher salary. This is because a longer contract gives the University of Georgia more time to recoup its investment in Smart and reduces the risk that he will leave for another coaching job.

For example, Smart's current contract runs through the 2029 season. This means that the University of Georgia is committed to paying him his full salary for the next seven years, regardless of the team's performance. This gives Smart a great deal of financial security and allows him to focus on building a successful program without worrying about his job security.

In addition to providing financial security, a longer contract can also help Smart negotiate a higher salary. This is because the University of Georgia knows that Smart is committed to the program for the long term and is less likely to leave for another job. As a result, the University of Georgia is more willing to offer Smart a higher salary to keep him in Athens.

Overall, contract length is an important factor in Kirby Smart's salary. A longer contract gives Smart more security and allows him to negotiate a higher salary. This is why it is important for Smart to have a long-term contract in place in order to maximize his earning potential.

Performance incentives

Performance incentives are an important part of Kirby Smart's salary. In addition to his base salary and bonuses, Smart can also earn incentives for achieving certain performance goals. These incentives can significantly increase his total salary.

One of the most important performance incentives for Smart is the championship incentive. Smart earns a bonus for winning the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff National Championship. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the championship. For example, Smart earned a $1 million bonus for winning the 2021 SEC Championship Game and a $2.5 million bonus for winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Performance incentives are a critical component of Kirby Smart's salary because they reward him for success on the field. They also help to align Smart's goals with the goals of the University of Georgia. By incentivizing Smart to win games and championships, the University of Georgia is increasing the likelihood that the Bulldogs will be successful on the field.

Cost of living

The cost of living is an important factor in determining Kirby Smart's salary. The cost of living in Athens, Georgia, where the University of Georgia is located, is relatively low compared to other major college football cities. This means that Smart's salary can go further in Athens than it would in a more expensive city.

The cost of living also affects the amount of money that the University of Georgia has to spend on other expenses, such as player salaries and facilities. If the cost of living in Athens were higher, the University of Georgia would have less money to spend on these other expenses. This could put Smart at a disadvantage in recruiting and retaining top players and staff.

Real-life examples of the cost of living affecting Kirby Smart's salary include the cost of housing, food, and transportation. The median home price in Athens is around $200,000, which is significantly lower than the median home price in other major college football cities. This means that Smart can afford to buy a larger and nicer home in Athens than he could in a more expensive city.

The cost of living is a critical component of Kirby Smart's salary because it affects the amount of money that he can spend on other expenses. The University of Georgia must consider the cost of living when setting Smart's salary in order to ensure that he is able to live comfortably and recruit and retain top players and staff.

Market value

Market value is a critical component of Kirby Smart's salary. It is the amount of money that he is worth to the University of Georgia based on his experience, success, and the demand for his services. The higher his market value, the more money he can command in salary.

There are a number of factors that affect Kirby Smart's market value including his winning percentage, his success in recruiting top players, and his ability to develop players into NFL draft picks. The more successful he is, the higher his market value will be.

Real-life examples of market value affecting Kirby Smart's salary include his contract extension in 2019 and his new contract in 2023. In 2019, Smart signed a contract extension that paid him $6.1 million per year. This contract was based on his success in leading the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In 2023, Smart signed a new contract that will pay him $10.2 million per year. This contract was based on his continued success at Georgia and the increasing demand for his services.

Understanding the relationship between market value and Kirby Smart's salary is important because it helps us to understand how much he is worth to the University of Georgia. It also helps us to understand why he is one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country.

Supply and demand

Supply and demand is a critical component of Kirby Smart's salary. The supply of college football coaches is relatively small, while the demand for top coaches is high. This means that Smart is able to command a high salary because there are few other coaches who can match his experience and success.

The demand for Smart's services is also driven by the success of the University of Georgia football program. The Bulldogs have won three SEC championships and the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship under Smart's leadership. This success has made Smart one of the most sought-after coaches in the country.

A real-life example of supply and demand affecting Kirby Smart's salary is his contract extension in 2023. Smart signed a new contract that will pay him $10.2 million per year. This contract is a reflection of the high demand for Smart's services and the success of the Georgia football program.

Understanding the relationship between supply and demand is important because it helps us to understand why Kirby Smart is one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country. It also helps us to understand the importance of winning and success in college football.

Negotiation skills

Negotiation skills are critical for any professional, but they are especially important for high-profile figures like Kirby Smart. As a successful college football coach, Smart is in a position to negotiate for a high salary and other benefits. His negotiation skills have been a major factor in his financial success.

One of the most important aspects of negotiation is being able to assess your own value. Smart knows his worth and is not afraid to ask for what he deserves. He is also willing to walk away from a negotiation if he does not get what he wants. This willingness to walk away gives him a strong bargaining position.

Another important aspect of negotiation is being able to build a relationship with the other side. Smart has a good relationship with the University of Georgia administration. This relationship has helped him to negotiate favorable contracts.

Smart's negotiation skills have helped him to become one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country. He is a role model for other coaches and professionals who want to negotiate for a better salary and benefits.

Agent

An agent plays a crucial role in negotiating Kirby Smart's salary. They represent Smart's interests and work to secure the best possible contract for him. Agents are experts in contract law and have a deep understanding of the college football market.

Negotiation Expertise
Agents are skilled negotiators who can effectively advocate for their clients. They understand the nuances of contract language and can identify potential areas of conflict. Agents also have a strong understanding of the market value for coaches, which allows them to negotiate a fair salary for Smart.
Market Knowledge
Agents are well-connected within the college football industry. They have a deep understanding of the coaching market and can provide Smart with valuable insights into potential job opportunities. Agents also have relationships with other coaches, athletic directors, and university presidents, which can be helpful in facilitating negotiations.
Client Advocacy
Agents are fiercely loyal to their clients. They put their clients' interests first and work tirelessly to protect their rights. Agents are also willing to walk away from a negotiation if they believe that their client is not getting a fair deal.

Agents play a vital role in ensuring that Smart receives fair compensation for his work. They are experts in contract negotiation and have a deep understanding of the college football market. Agents also provide Smart with valuable insights into potential job opportunities and protect his rights during negotiations.

There are a number of factors that contribute to Kirby Smart's salary, including his base salary, bonuses, incentives, and contract length. His base salary is $7.1 million, which is guaranteed money. He can also earn bonuses for winning games, winning championships, and achieving other performance goals. These bonuses can significantly increase his total salary. Smart's contract length is also important because it gives him security and allows him to negotiate a higher salary.

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