Georgia Bulldogs’ Kirby Smart Donates Entire Contract Extension and $350,000 Bonus to Charity, Cementing His Legacy as Leader and Humanitarian
May 20, 2025 | Athens, GA — In a powerful demonstration of leadership and generosity, University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart has announced that he will donate his entire one-year contract extension and a $350,000 “Sweet 16” bonus to charity, with the majority of the funds directed toward homelessness support and youth outreach across Georgia.
While known nationally for building one of the most dominant programs in college football history, Smart’s latest gesture reaffirms his commitment to using his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the field. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall on Monday morning, where Smart stood alongside university leaders and representatives from several local charities.
“I’ve always believed that coaching is about more than just football,” said Smart. “It’s about building up young people and giving back to the community that supports us every Saturday. This is my way of saying thank you and standing with those who need a hand up.”
A Major Financial Gift with Purpose
The one-year contract extension, signed earlier this month, keeps Smart under contract with Georgia through the 2032 season. While the total value of the extension is confidential, university officials confirmed that the donated amount is valued at over $1.5 million, in addition to his $350,000 postseason bonus earned for reaching the College Football Playoff “Sweet 16” round this past season.
Smart’s donation will be distributed among several nonprofit organizations, including Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Covenant House Georgia, and the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness. Portions of the funds will also support youth mentorship programs and athletic scholarships for underserved communities throughout the state.
UGA Community Applauds Smart’s Impact
University President Jere Morehead praised Smart’s actions, calling him “a model of integrity and compassion” who exemplifies the values of the University of Georgia.
“Kirby has achieved incredible success on the field, but his legacy off the field is just as profound,” Morehead said. “This gift will change lives across our state, and it speaks to the heart of who he is as a person.”
Players and alumni echoed that sentiment. Senior quarterback Carson Beck described the move as “inspiring,” while former Bulldog great Nakobe Dean tweeted, “Coach Smart always preaches doing things the right way — and he lives it.”
A Legacy Beyond the Gridiron
Since taking over the Bulldogs in 2016, Smart has led Georgia to multiple national championships, earned SEC Coach of the Year honors, and built one of the most consistent and feared programs in college football. But those close to the program often point to his character, humility, and quiet dedication to others as his most defining traits.
This donation, Smart said, is not a farewell but a renewed commitment to the Georgia family.
“We’re not finished,” he said. “There’s still more work to do — on and off the field. I want our players to see that success means giving back and lifting others up.”
With this selfless act, Kirby Smart continues to prove that true leadership isn’t just about wins and titles — it’s about service, compassion, and leaving the world better than you found it.
