In a monumental announcement that has sent shockwaves through college football, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart revealed on June 13, 2025, a groundbreaking “permanent contract deal” with the University of Georgia, committing to lead the program until his retirement. The unprecedented agreement, reported by ESPN and detailed by the Athens Banner-Herald, solidifies Smart’s legacy as the cornerstone of Georgia’s football dynasty, following a 10-year, $130 million contract extension signed in May 2024 that already made him the highest-paid coach in college football at $13 million annually. This new deal, described as a lifetime commitment, ensures Smart’s leadership through his career’s end, a move hailed by fans and analysts as a masterstroke for stability.
Smart, a Georgia alum and former defensive back, declared, “I’m staying forever. Athens is home, and I’m a Bulldog until I retire.” The announcement came after Smart rejected $7.5 million offers from Michigan and Notre Dame, reinforcing his loyalty to UGA. The deal, negotiated with athletic director Josh Brooks and approved by president Jere Morehead, includes a unique structure: a fully guaranteed salary through 2033, with a rolling extension that adjusts annually until Smart chooses to retire. It also retains his $1.77 million bonus structure, rewarding achievements like SEC titles ($200,000) and national championships ($1.25 million).
The agreement reflects Georgia’s confidence in Smart, who has transformed the Bulldogs into a juggernaut since 2016. With a 104-22 record, two national championships (2021, 2022), and a 2024 SEC title (22-19 overtime win over Texas), Smart has set a gold standard. His 46-3 stretch from 2021-2023 and seven straight top-10 AP poll finishes underscore his dominance. The 2025 season, despite a 23-10 Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame, saw Smart earn his 100th career win against No. 1 Texas, cementing his historical impact.
Smart’s decision quashes speculation about NFL moves or rival programs, a testament to his deep roots in Athens, where he lives with his wife, Mary Beth, and three children. Posts on X erupted with fan excitement, with one user calling it “the ultimate power move for UGA.” The deal also strengthens Georgia’s recruiting, as evidenced by commitments from five-star quarterback Jared Curtis and four-star wide receiver Ryan Mosley, who cited Smart’s stability as a key factor.
For Georgia, this ensures continuity amid a changing college football landscape, including the 12-team playoff and NIL challenges. Smart’s defensive expertise and recruiting prowess, honed under Nick Saban at Alabama, position the Bulldogs to chase more titles. Rivals like Tennessee and Florida, already outmaneuvered for talents like Curtis, face a steeper climb. As Smart prepares for the 2025 season opener against Marshall on August 30, his lifetime commitment signals an era of sustained dominance, with Bulldog Nation rallying behind their forever coach.
