Introduction
Kirby Smart is the current head coach of the University of Georgia’s football team, the Georgia Bulldogs. He was hired in December 2015 and has since led the team to a number of successes, including three Southeastern Conference (SEC) East Division titles and two appearances in the College Football Playoff. As the head coach of one of the most successful college football teams in the nation, it is no surprise that Smart is paid handsomely for his services. This article will take an in-depth look at how much Kirby Smart makes as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.
A Look at Kirby Smart’s Salary: How Much Does the Georgia Bulldogs’ Head Coach Make?
In 2018, Kirby Smart signed a seven-year contract extension with the University of Georgia worth $49 million. This makes him the third highest-paid coach in the SEC, behind only Alabama’s Nick Saban and LSU’s Ed Orgeron. According to the contract, Smart’s base salary is $4.3 million per year, plus an additional $1.5 million in bonuses and incentives. Additionally, he is eligible for up to $200,000 per year in performance bonuses based on the team’s success each season.
Smart’s salary is significantly higher than the salaries of other head coaches in the SEC. For example, Auburn’s Gus Malzahn makes $6.7 million per year, while Tennessee’s Jeremy Pruitt makes $3.8 million per year. His salary is also higher than the average salary of an FBS head coach, which was estimated to be around $2.7 million in 2018.
The Financial Impact of Hiring Kirby Smart: A Breakdown of His Salary
When Kirby Smart was hired by the University of Georgia in 2015, his total compensation package was worth $3.75 million. This was significantly more than the contracts of other potential candidates for the job, such as former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher, who made $5.25 million in 2018. While the University of Georgia was certainly taking a gamble by paying Smart more than they would have had they hired someone else, it appears to have been a wise decision.
Since his hiring, the team’s success has improved dramatically. The Bulldogs won the SEC East Division title in 2017 and 2018, and made it to the College Football Playoffs in 2017 and 2018. They are currently ranked No. 5 in the nation and are in contention for another SEC Championship. The team’s success has resulted in increased ticket sales and merchandise sales, as well as higher television ratings. All of these factors have combined to make Kirby Smart’s hiring a lucrative move for the University of Georgia.
Breaking Down Kirby Smart’s Paycheck: What Is the Georgia Bulldogs’ Head Coach Making?
As previously mentioned, Kirby Smart’s base salary is $4.3 million per year, plus an additional $1.5 million in bonuses and incentives. He is also eligible for up to $200,000 in performance bonuses each year based on the team’s success. Additionally, Smart receives a $1 million signing bonus and a $500,000 retention bonus each year. He also receives a car allowance, access to luxury suites during games, and complimentary tickets to all home games.
Outside of his salary and bonuses, Smart is also eligible to receive additional income from endorsements and other sources. In 2018, he earned an estimated $400,000 from endorsements and public appearances. This brings his total compensation package to an estimated $7 million per year.
Exploring the Dollars and Cents Behind Kirby Smart’s Contract with the Georgia Bulldogs
The University of Georgia’s contract with Kirby Smart is very generous, but it is important to understand the cost of hiring him versus other potential candidates. According to Forbes, the school spent about $11 million on Smart’s initial contract and the subsequent extension. This is significantly more than the $2.7 million that the average FBS head coach makes per year.
However, the return on investment for the University of Georgia has been tremendous. Since Smart’s hiring, the team’s winning percentage has increased from .636 to .739. Additionally, the team’s average attendance has increased from 90,000 to over 93,000. These numbers demonstrate the financial impact that Kirby Smart has had on the program.
An Analysis of Kirby Smart’s Salary as Head Coach of the Georgia Bulldogs
It is clear that Kirby Smart is one of the highest-paid head coaches in the SEC. His base salary of $4.3 million is significantly higher than the salaries of other head coaches in the conference, such as Auburn’s Gus Malzahn ($6.7 million) and Tennessee’s Jeremy Pruitt ($3.8 million). Additionally, Smart’s total compensation package of $7 million is also higher than the average salary of an FBS head coach.
It is also important to consider the financial impact of hiring Smart versus other potential candidates. The University of Georgia took a risk by offering Smart a lucrative contract, but it appears to have paid off. The team’s success under his tenure has resulted in increased ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television ratings, all of which have contributed to the school’s bottom line.
Conclusion
Kirby Smart is one of the highest-paid head coaches in the SEC, and his contract with the University of Georgia is extremely lucrative. His base salary of $4.3 million is significantly higher than the salaries of other head coaches in the conference, and his total compensation package of $7 million is also higher than the average salary of an FBS head coach. Additionally, the team’s success under Smart’s tenure has resulted in increased ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television ratings, providing a strong return on investment for the University of Georgia.
Overall, Kirby Smart’s salary is reflective of his success as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. He has led the team to three SEC East Division titles and two College Football Playoff appearances, and his success has resulted in increased revenue for the school. Despite his high salary, Smart’s hiring has proven to be a wise decision for the University of Georgia.
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