ESPN REPORT: Kirby Smart Stuns College Football: Rejects $7.5M Offers from Michigan, Notre Dame to Stay Loyal to Georgia In a bold statement of loyalty, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart turns down massive $7.5 million offers, declaring unwavering commitment: “I have no plans beyond being the Georgia Bulldogs head coach.” College football world left speechless
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has reportedly turned down eye-watering \$7.5 million offers from both Michigan and Notre Dame, choosing instead to remain loyal to the program he has built into a national powerhouse.
According to an ESPN report that broke early Thursday morning, both Michigan and Notre Dame made formal overtures to lure Smart away from Athens, banking on the allure of new challenges, historic programs, and significantly lucrative contracts. However, Smart swiftly ended the speculation by reaffirming his long-term commitment to Georgia in no uncertain terms.
“I have no plans beyond being the Georgia Bulldogs head coach,” Smart told ESPN. “This is my home. This is where I belong.”
Smart’s decision isn’t just a win for Georgia—it’s a rare and powerful example of loyalty in a sport often driven by financial incentives and career ambition. With coaching contracts in college football reaching new heights and job security growing increasingly fragile, a top-tier coach turning down elite offers is virtually unheard of.
Since taking over the Bulldogs program in 2016, Kirby Smart has transformed Georgia into a dominant force, capturing back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and consistently competing for SEC and national titles. His leadership, recruiting prowess, and deep connection with the university have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Michigan and Notre Dame, both storied programs with rich traditions, have faced recent uncertainty surrounding their coaching futures. With Jim Harbaugh’s flirtation with the NFL and Marcus Freeman still establishing his tenure, both schools were reportedly prepared to break the bank for a proven winner like Smart. The \$7.5 million per year deals, sources say, included performance bonuses and long-term incentives, underscoring just how serious the pursuit was.
Despite the financial temptation, Smart’s heart never left Athens. Insiders close to the Georgia program say he is currently working closely with the athletic department on roster development and staff retention ahead of the 2025 season, and that his focus remains fixed on building a dynasty rather than seeking new pastures.
Reaction across the college football world has ranged from admiration to astonishment. Pundits, analysts, and fans have flooded social media to praise Smart’s decision, calling it a “rare act of integrity” and “a defining moment of this coaching era.”
“Kirby could have named his price anywhere in the country,” one former SEC coach said. “Instead, he chose legacy over money. That says everything.”
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks also released a statement lauding Smart’s dedication: “We’ve always believed in Kirby’s vision. His loyalty to Georgia only reaffirms why he is the perfect leader for our program.”
