Kirby Smart addresses a crowd of fans as Georgia celebrates its first national title since 1980. (1:45)
Kirby Smart, Georgia's football coach, is close to a long-term contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.
In the College Football Playoff National Championship, Smart's Georgia team defeated Alabama 33-18 to win their first national title in 41 years.
The UGA athletics board did not take any action after the athletic director discussed Smart's new contract. The new deal was not disclosed.
Jimmy Sexton of Creative Artists Agency was unable to be reached for comment.
The process is just going through and taking your time. It is typical stuff, nothing out of the ordinary. We worked closely with his agent, and it was a great process.
In May of last year, Smart agreed to a seven-year, $49 million extension that almost doubled his compensation from his original contract. His average annual pay is $7 million, which is sixth in the SEC, behind Alabama's Nick Saban, LSU's Brian Kelly, Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher, and Ole Miss' Lane.
Smart's ranking is about to change.
UGA president Jere Morehead told reporters that the compensation for a national championship coach would be in line with what you would expect. I don't think anyone will be surprised.
Smart has guided his teams to a 66-15 record in six seasons. His teams have played in five straight New Year's Six bowl games. Georgia has won four SEC East titles and one SEC championship during his tenure.
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