The Georgia Bulldogs are still riding high after winning their first College Football Playoff Championship in January. In an effort to maintain their success, the University of Georgia is attempting to lock the team’s head coach, Kirby Smart, into a long-term deal. Details regarding the potential deal are still being kept under wraps, but ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports that it would “make [Smart] among the highest-paid coaches in the FBS.”
“It’s just going through the process, taking your time,” University of Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks said about the potential deal.
This is an important contract for [Smart] and for us, so it’s just all the little details. It’s typical stuff, nothing out of the ordinary. We’ve worked closely with his agent, and it’s been a great process.”
Prior to winning his first title, Smart signed a seven-year, $49 million deal with the university. Earning $7 million per year, Smart is currently the sixth-highest paid coach in the SEC. Alabama’s Nick Saban and LSU’s Brian Kelly sit atop the league with annual salaries of $10.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively. However, Smart’s standing could change in the near future.
“I think what we said is accurate,” University of Georgia President Jere Morehead said on Thursday.
“It will be commensurate with what you would expect compensation to be for a national championship coach, but we’re close to finalizing those arrangements. I don’t think anybody will be surprised.”
