Kirby Smart Named SEC Head Coach of the Year, Lands Historic $900 Million ESPN Deal
Athens, GA – March 15, 2025
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has once again solidified his legacy in college football, as he has been named the SEC Head Coach of the Year out of 15 competing coaches. The honor comes after another remarkable season for Georgia, as Smart led the Bulldogs to continued dominance in the Southeastern Conference and on the national stage.
But the accolades do not stop there. In a groundbreaking deal that has shocked the sports world, Smart has also signed an unprecedented $900 million contract with ESPN, making him one of the highest-paid figures in sports media. The deal is set to begin immediately after his coaching career ends, ensuring that the Georgia legend remains in the spotlight for years to come.
Smart Dominates the SEC Again
Kirby Smart’s tenure at Georgia has been nothing short of legendary. After taking over the Bulldogs program in 2016, Smart has transformed Georgia into a dynastic powerhouse, winning multiple national championships and consistently maintaining a top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.
This season, Georgia continued its reign of dominance, finishing the regular season with another impressive record, securing an SEC Championship, and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Smart’s coaching philosophy, emphasis on defense, and ability to recruit top-tier talent have set him apart from his peers.
A Season to Remember
Georgia entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations, and once again, Smart delivered.
Unstoppable Defense: Smart’s defensive units have always been elite, and this year was no different. Georgia’s defense ranked first in the nation in points allowed, continuing their tradition of producing NFL-ready talent.
Quarterback Development: While Georgia has traditionally been known for its defense, Smart’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been on full display this season, with his starter putting up Heisman-worthy numbers.
Recruiting Domination: Under Smart, Georgia has consistently landed top-5 recruiting classes, and the Bulldogs’ 2025 class is expected to be one of the best in history.
With yet another SEC Championship under his belt, Smart proved that Georgia’s reign is far from over. His ability to out-coach his SEC rivals was a key reason he was awarded the prestigious SEC Coach of the Year honor.
SEC Coach of the Year: Smart’s Unparalleled Impact
Winning SEC Coach of the Year is no small feat, especially considering the elite competition in the conference. Smart beat out Nick Saban’s successor at Alabama, Brian Kelly at LSU, Josh Heupel at Tennessee, and several other high-profile coaches to claim the award.
Smart’s ability to dominate the SEC year after year and maintain an elite program despite player turnover has made him the clear choice for this year’s honor.
“This isn’t just about one season,” said an SEC official. “Kirby Smart has been the gold standard of coaching in the SEC, and his continued dominance makes him more than deserving of this award.”
While many coaches have flashes of brilliance, Smart has built something sustainable and elite at Georgia. This award recognizes not just his on-field success but also his long-term impact on the SEC as a whole.
$900 Million ESPN Deal: The Largest Contract in Sports Media History
As if winning SEC Coach of the Year wasn’t enough, Kirby Smart has now made history with a groundbreaking $900 million contract with ESPN.
The deal, which will take effect immediately upon his retirement from coaching, is the largest media contract ever signed by a former coach. The agreement ensures that Smart will be a key part of ESPN’s college football coverage for years to come, providing expert analysis, commentary, and insight into the game he has dominated.
Details of the ESPN Contract
The contract reportedly includes:
$900 million over 10 years, making Smart one of the highest-paid figures in sports media history.
A lead analyst role on ESPN’s flagship college football shows, including “College GameDay” and primetime broadcasts.
Exclusive on-air appearances and weekly coaching breakdowns during the college football season.
A major role in ESPN’s College Football Playoff and NFL Draft coverage.
Opportunities for documentary features and special projects, including a behind-the-scenes look at Georgia’s dynasty.
Why ESPN Wanted Smart So Badly
ESPN’s move to sign Smart before his retirement is a sign of how valuable he is to the game. As a coach, Smart has had a firsthand look at the evolution of college football, including the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, and playoff expansion.
“We believe Kirby Smart will bring unmatched insight into the world of college football,” said an ESPN executive. “He’s not just a coach—he’s a visionary who understands where the game is going.”
This move mirrors the success of former coaches turned analysts, such as Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, and Jim Harbaugh, all of whom have provided in-depth analysis. However, Smart’s deal far surpasses anything offered before, reflecting ESPN’s belief that he is the most valuable media asset in college football.
Reaction from the Sports World
The college football world erupted after the announcement of Smart’s SEC Coach of the Year award and ESPN contract.
Fans React: “Georgia is the Gold Standard”
Georgia fans celebrated the news, with many calling it further proof that Smart is the greatest coach of this era.
“Kirby Smart is the best coach in America, period.”
“First another SEC title, now a $900M ESPN deal? The man is untouchable.”
“Nick Saban was great, but Kirby Smart is building something even bigger at Georgia.”
Rival Coaches Weigh In
SEC coaches offered their thoughts on Smart’s continued dominance.
Brian Kelly (LSU Head Coach): “We all know Kirby’s a great coach. But a $900M ESPN deal? That’s next level.”
Josh Heupel (Tennessee Head Coach): “We’re all chasing Georgia right now, and that’s because of what Kirby Smart has built.”
Even Nick Saban, Smart’s former mentor, offered his thoughts:
“Kirby’s earned everything he’s gotten. He’s a great coach, and he’s going to be a great analyst.”
Players and Recruits React
Several current and former Georgia players also praised their coach, recognizing his impact on their careers.
Brock Bowers (Former Georgia TE, NFL Star): “Coach Smart is a mastermind. He built something at Georgia that isn’t going away.”
Jalen Carter (Former Georgia DT, NFL Star): “No one prepares you for the next level like Coach Smart. He’s going to kill it at ESPN too.”
2025 Georgia Commit (5-Star DL): “Why would you not want to play for the best?”
The recruiting impact of Smart’s continued dominance and his eventual ESPN presence cannot be understated. Top recruits know that playing for Georgia means competing at the highest level under one of the greatest coaches of all time.
What’s Next for Smart and Georgia?
With another SEC Coach of the Year award under his belt and a future locked in at ESPN, Smart remains focused on leading Georgia to another national championship.
Immediate Goals
Win Another National Championship: Georgia enters the College Football Playoff with its sights set on another ring.
Continue Dominating Recruiting: Smart’s 2025 class is shaping up to be one of his best yet.
Secure His Legacy as One of the Greatest Coaches Ever: With each season, Smart moves closer to cementing himself as the greatest coach of all time.
Long-Term Future
While Smart’s ESPN deal ensures he will eventually transition to media, there is no indication that he plans to retire anytime soon. At just 49 years old, he has plenty of time to add more championships to his resume before stepping away from coaching.
Final Thoughts: Smart’s Unmatched Impact
Kirby Smart’s legacy continues to grow, and with another SEC Coach of the Year award and a $900M ESPN deal, he has reached heights that few in sports history have achieved.
Whether on the sidelines or in the broadcast booth, Smart is set to dominate college football for years to come.
For now, all eyes remain on Georgia, where Smart and the Bulldogs continue their quest for another national title.
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