Nobody in the country can deny that Kirby Smart is the best coach in all of college football. Nick Saban held that title, but the second he retired that crown immediately became Smart’s.
So because of that fact alone, it more than justifies that Smart is the highest paid coach in college football at nearly $13 million. And while that may sound like a lot of money, most Georgia football fans would say it’s more than deserved after winning two National Championships and three SEC titles during his tenure.
Smart’s base salary isn’t the only way he’s gotten paid this year either. He also has performance incentives as well, and so far this season Smart has earned five.
Kirby Smart performance incentives
As mentioned, Smart has earned five bonuses so far this season. Smart earned $50,000 for winning six games, and another $25,000 when Georgia reached eight wins this season. Making the SEC Championship game earned another $100,000 while beating Texas in the Championship game earned $200,000 more. Finally, Smart earned an additional $425,000 for making the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
That totals $800,000 just in bonuses so far this season. It’s also safe to assume that he will get even more if Georgia continues to win in the CFP, beginning with their Sugar Bowl matchup on Jan. 1 against the winner of the Indiana and Notre Dame game.
Some might think this is too much money, but that’s the cost of winning in college football today. Smart is currently the best coach in all of college football, so if Georgia wants to keep winning at a high level then they need to do everything they can to keep Smart in Athens for as long as possible.
So that’s why probably no UGA fans care about how much Smart makes, because they think he’s earned every penny of it.