Kirby Smart, Josh Brooks share statements on new contracts
ATHENS, Ga. — Kirby Smart and Josh Brooks were the subject of conversation during Thursday’s executive session of the UGA Athletics Board as the two faces of Georgia athletics each received updated contracts that feature extensions and raises. Smart’s new deal extends him through December 31, 2033 with an average value of $13 million, the highest total of any coach in college football. Meanwhile, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics term was extended an extra year with his salary up to $1.275 million. He is under contract through 2030.
Both Smart and Brooks have the ability to earn more than their base amount too. Bonuses of up to $1.55 million are available for Smart based on performance in the new playoff structure while Brooks can pick up an additional $200,000 from academic performance of the athletic department as well as top 20 or top 10 finishes in the Learfield Directors Cup.
“The UGA Athletic Association and I are very pleased to extend the contracts of Josh Brooks and Kirby Smart,” University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead shared in a statement. “Coach Smart’s unprecedented success is the definition of excellence for all of college football, and he has excited the Bulldog Nation about what is yet to come after winning two national championships. Josh Brooks has done a terrific job as Athletic Director and has positioned UGA Athletics to thrive in a rapidly changing college sports landscape. Both Kirby and Josh love this university as loyal graduates. I congratulate both of them and look forward to their continued leadership in the years ahead.”
Smart and Brooks both expressed gratitude for their new deals too. Each representing their alma mater, the passion for their jobs comes from their love for the University.
“I want to thank President Morehead, Josh Brooks and the Board of Directors for extending my contract at the University of Georgia,” Smart said. “I continue to be grateful and humbled by our administration’s commitment to our football program. The current culture in collegiate athletics is ever-changing and as challenging as it has ever been, so I truly appreciate the leadership that our team is continually provided. I have an immense pride for representing my alma mater and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come.”
“I am extremely grateful for the trust placed in me by President Morehead and the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors,” Brooks added. “Serving in this role and working alongside our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff is truly the privilege of a lifetime. I also want to thank President Morehead and the Board of Directors for Coach Smart’s well-deserved contract extension. His success in the first eight years leading our football program is unmatched, and his generosity and leadership as part of our university community has made a lasting impact.”
Full details of the contracts are expected to become available after open records requests have been fulfilled. In eight seasons under Smart’s direction, Georgia has gone 94-16. It’s the most wins by any head coach in their first eight seasons in college football history. The Bulldogs have won two national championships (2021, 2022), two SEC titles (2017, 2022) and made six appearances in the SEC Championship Game (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). Over the last 48 games, the Bulldogs are 46-2 and have won 39 straight regular season contests including a school-record 25 consecutive at Sanford Stadium.
