Winning the national championship was worth more than $1 million to Georgia coach Kirby Smart. In fact, Smart earned a total of $1.8 million in bonuses for the Bulldog’s season and championship run. However, according to his contract, Smart’s cumulative bonuses are capped at $1.6 million in addition to his salary.

According to Smart’s 35-page contract, signed in 2016 and amended in 2018, the coach receives bonuses for playing in the SEC Championship game ($150,000), earning a spot in the College Football Playoff ($500,000), winning SEC coach of the year ($50,000) and winning a national semifinal with an Orange Bowl win over Michigan ($100,000). Smart totaled $800,000.

Georgia’s 33-18 victory over Alabama in the national championship game Monday was worth $1 million. Smart’s contract states that his bonuses are cumulative, but are capped at $1.6 million.

Smart was due to make $7 million this year before bonuses, part of a seven-year deal that will pay him $49 million in salary through the 2024 season.

Smart’s 10 assistant coaches did pretty well, too. Winning the national title meant a bonus worth 55% of their salary.

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Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel shake hands after Georgia beat Tennessee during overtime in an NCAA football game at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. Georgia won 44-41 over Tennessee in overtime.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com