Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kirby Smart’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Kirby Smart, the celebrated American football coach, boasts an impressive net worth estimated at $50 million. His financial success is primarily attributed to his flourishing career as a head coach, particularly his prominent position with the University of Georgia’s football team.
Kirby Smart’s Lucrative Coaching Career
Kirby Smart’s journey to becoming one of the highest-paid college football coaches is marked by several key career milestones and strategic moves:
Early Coaching Roles: In 1999, Smart started his coaching career as an administrative assistant at the University of Georgia, earning a modest income that laid the groundwork for his future success. He then served as a defensive backs coach at Valdosta State in 2000, followed by a defensive coordinator role in 2001. From 2002 to 2003, Smart worked as a general assistant coach at Florida State.
Ascension through the Ranks: His career trajectory continued upward with a stint as the defensive backs coach at LSU in 2004, under the guidance of Nick Saban. This was followed by a position as the running backs coach at the University of Georgia in 2005. In 2006, Smart gained experience in the National Football League (NFL) as an assistant coach for the Miami Dolphins, further enhancing his coaching acumen and marketability.
Alabama Years: A significant turning point in Smart’s career came in 2007 when he reunited with Nick Saban at the University of Alabama. Serving as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach from 2007 to 2008, he later became the defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015. During his tenure at Alabama, Smart played a crucial role in the team’s dominant performance, contributing to National Championship victories in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015. These victories not only solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive strategist but also significantly boosted his earning potential.
Head Coaching Role at Georgia: In 2016, Kirby Smart was appointed as the head coach of the University of Georgia. His initial contract reflected the university’s confidence in his abilities, setting the stage for substantial financial rewards as he achieved success. In 2017, Smart’s leadership led the team to its first SEC title since 2005, earning him the title of SEC Coach of the Year. Despite a loss to Alabama in the National Championship game, Smart’s success continued with consistent 11-1 regular season records and SEC titles in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, the season was shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the team ended with a 7-2 regular season record, finishing second in the SEC East.
National Championship Win: One of the most significant milestones in Kirby Smart’s coaching career came in 2021 when he led the Georgia Bulldogs to a National Championship victory over Alabama. This marked the school’s first national title since 1980 and significantly elevated Smart’s market value. Prior to the 2022-2023 season, Smart was coaching under a 7-year, $49 million contract extension, resulting in an annual salary of $7 million.
Highest-Paid Coach: In July 2022, Smart’s accomplishments were rewarded with a 10-year, $112.5 million contract with the Georgia Bulldogs. This contract, with an average annual salary of $11.25 million, briefly made him the highest-paid college football coach in the United States. His success on the field and his ability to attract top talent to the program justified the substantial investment from the university.
Contract Extension and Raise: In May 2024, Kirby Smart extended his contract for another 10 years through the 2033 season. This extension included a raise, boosting his annual salary to $13 million, reaffirming his position as one of the top-earning coaches in college football. The contract also includes performance-based incentives and other benefits, further contributing to his overall compensation.
Kirby Smart’s Contract Details
Kirby Smart’s financial achievements are primarily defined by the specifics of his coaching contracts, particularly his deals with the University of Georgia. A comprehensive look at these contracts reveals the financial mechanisms that significantly contribute to his substantial net worth.
Initial Contract: Upon his appointment as head coach in 2016, Kirby Smart entered into an initial contract with the University of Georgia. While the exact details of this contract are not fully disclosed, it provided a solid financial foundation, reflecting the university’s investment in his potential to revitalize the football program.
7-Year Extension: Prior to the 2022-2023 season, Smart was operating under a 7-year, $49 million contract extension. This agreement translated to an annual salary of $7 million, marking a significant increase from his initial earnings. The contract included performance-based incentives, which allowed Smart to earn additional income based on the team’s success, such as winning games, SEC titles, and bowl appearances. These incentives could potentially add several hundred thousand dollars to his annual compensation.
10-Year, $112.5 Million Contract: In July 2022, Kirby Smart signed a monumental 10-year contract with the Georgia Bulldogs, valued at $112.5 million. This contract, averaging $11.25 million per year, briefly crowned him the highest-paid college football coach in the nation. The agreement included a base salary, supplemental compensation for media appearances, endorsements, and other activities. It also included a substantial package of benefits, such as life insurance, retirement contributions, and access to private travel.
2024 Extension to $13 Million: In May 2024, Smart further solidified his financial standing with a contract extension through the 2033 season. This extension raised his annual salary to $13 million, affirming his status as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The new contract also likely includes updated performance-based incentives and additional benefits, underscoring the university’s commitment to retaining his services.
Incentive Structures: Kirby Smart’s contracts include elaborate incentive structures designed to reward success on the field. These incentives are typically tied to specific achievements, such as:
- Winning regular-season games
- Securing SEC Championship titles
- Participating in and winning major bowl games (e.g., College Football Playoff games, New Year’s Six bowls)
- Achieving high rankings in national polls
- Maintaining high academic standards for his players
Each of these milestones triggers additional bonuses, which can significantly increase his annual earnings. For example, winning the National Championship often results in a bonus of $1 million or more. The combined effect of these incentives and bonuses can add several million dollars to Smart’s yearly compensation, further enhancing his financial prosperity.
Early Life and Education
Kirby Smart was born on December 23, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama. He spent his formative years in Bainbridge, Georgia, where he developed his passion for football.
High School Years: Smart attended Bainbridge High School, where he excelled as a student-athlete. He played football, basketball, and baseball, showcasing his athletic versatility. His leadership qualities and performance on the football field earned him recognition as one of the top high school players in the state.
College Career: Smart’s success in high school led him to the University of Georgia, where he played as a defensive back for the Bulldogs from 1995 to 1998. During his college career, he was a standout player, earning All-SEC honors in 1998. His performance on the field demonstrated his skill and dedication, laying the foundation for his future coaching career.
