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Kirby Smart Earns Massive Bonus After Georgia-Texas SEC Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Licata | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 8:15 PM ET

The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs outlasted the No. 2 Texas Longhorns on Saturday, winning the SEC Championship Game 22-19 in overtime.

A walk-off four-yard rushing touchdown by running back Trevor Etienne sealed the victory, the Bulldogs' second conference title in the last four years.

According to USA Today's Steve Berkowitz , Georgia head coach Kirby Smart earned $375,000 in contract bonuses, more than doubling his 2024 bonuses to date. He takes home $200,000 for the SEC title win and will add an extra $175,000 in his pockets for playing in the College Football Playoff later this month.

Prior to Saturday, the 48-year-old had racked up $175,000. That was comprised of $50,000 for Georgia's sixth win, $25,000 for their eighth win and $100,000 for earning a spot in the SEC Championship Game.

Based on his contract structure, Smart could earn up to an additional $1 million in bonuses if the Bulldogs go on to win the CFP. He's currently the highest-paid head coach in college football after signing a 10-year, $130 million deal last May.

With Saturday's loss, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian missed out on a potential $150,000 bonus of his own. The Longhorns outgained Smart's crew 389 yards to 277, but were held back by two missed field goals, three turnovers and 11 penalties for 94 yards, compared to Georgia's five flags.

Next up for both teams, though, is the 12-team College Football Playoff, which begins on Dec. 20-21.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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