In a stunning development that has reverberated throughout the college football world, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has reportedly rejected lucrative coaching offers from both the Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide, each valued at up to $15 million per year. According to a report by Days Gazette, Smart’s response was unequivocal: “$15 million? Keep it.
This bold decision underscores Smart’s deep-rooted loyalty to the University of Georgia, where he has served as head coach since 2016. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have achieved significant success, including multiple SEC Championships and back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022.
Smart’s commitment to Georgia is further exemplified by his recent contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. In May 2024, he agreed to a 10-year, $130 million deal that includes an annual salary of $13 million and potential bonuses up to $1.55 million per year, depending on the team’s performance in the expanded College Football Playoff.
This move has sent shockwaves through the NCAA, reaffirming Smart’s position as the heart and soul of the Georgia Bulldogs. His decision highlights that, for some coaches, loyalty and legacy outweigh financial incentives.
