For quite some time, the dominance of the SEC and college football in general was synonymous with Nick Saban and Alabama. The Crimson Tide seemed invincible until Kirby Smart, a former assistant and mentee of Saban’s, assumed the helm at Georgia.
Smart wasted no time making an impact at UGA, leading the team to the national championship game in only his second season as head coach and clinching titles in 2020 and 2021. Despite consistent success on the recruiting front and fielding top-tier teams year after year, the Bulldogs fell short of securing a third consecutive championship in 2024, as the College Football Playoff didn’t pan out in their favor.
Under Smart’s leadership, UGA has transformed into a powerhouse, evident in their recent gesture of appreciation. According to Seth Emerson of The Athletic, Smart is receiving a substantial raise, making him the highest-paid coach in college football.
Following Saban’s retirement, Dabo Swinney of Clemson became the highest-paid coach, earning $11.5 million annually, with Ryan Day of Ohio State trailing at $10.2 million per year.
Regardless of the exact figure, Smart’s value to UGA is unquestionable, making every dollar of his new salary well-deserved.
