ESPN REPORT: Kirby Smart Stuns College Football—Rejects $7.5M Offers from Michigan, Notre Dame to Stay Loyal to Georgia
By ESPN Staff Writer | June 13, 2025
In an era where coaching contracts in college football rival those of NFL powerhouses, loyalty is often the first casualty. But Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, just reminded the world that some things can’t be bought.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Smart has turned down not one, but two jaw-dropping $7.5 million annual offers from traditional powerhouses Michigan and Notre Dame. His response? A firm, unwavering declaration:
“I have no plans beyond being the Georgia Bulldogs head coach.”
The coaching carousel was expected to spin wildly this offseason. With both Michigan and Notre Dame unexpectedly parting ways with their respective head coaches—Jim Harbaugh’s jump to the NFL and Marcus Freeman’s resignation citing family health matters—rumors swirled for weeks about where the programs would turn next.
Smart, 49, who has led Georgia to three national titles in the past five seasons and redefined the SEC’s competitive balance, emerged as the dream candidate for both programs. Reports confirmed that representatives from both schools made aggressive pushes, offering packages that would’ve made Smart the highest-paid coach in college football history outside of the NFL.
But in classic Smart fashion, he delivered his answer not with press conference dramatics, but with a brief, pointed statement released by the University of Georgia athletic department late Thursday evening.
“I’m humbled by the recognition, but let me be clear—I’m a Georgia Bulldog. This is home. We’ve built something special here, and I’m not leaving that behind. My commitment to our players, our staff, and our fans is stronger than ever.”
A Blow to the Bluebloods
The rebuff stings deeply for both Michigan and Notre Dame. Each had hoped to land a marquee name capable of maintaining their national relevance in a rapidly shifting college football landscape defined by NIL deals, conference realignment, and playoff expansion.
Michigan, coming off a turbulent 10–3 season under interim leadership following Harbaugh’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers, had pegged Smart as their “program-resetting” hire. Notre Dame, too, saw Smart as the cultural anchor who could restore the glory days of Lou Holtz and Knute Rockne.
A source close to Michigan’s athletic department shared: “We thought we had a real shot. We put together an offer we thought no one could refuse. Kirby just proved he’s built different.”
The Loyalty Factor
While big-money coaching moves have become commonplace, Smart’s decision reflects a rare, perhaps old-school sense of loyalty. Born in Alabama but molded in Georgia—first as a defensive back in Athens in the 1990s, then as a head coach beginning in 2016—Smart has become synonymous with the Bulldogs program.
He took over a Georgia team still recovering from a string of near-misses under Mark Richt and elevated them to the sport’s elite tier. Since 2017, Georgia has posted a staggering 94–12 record, won three national championships (2021, 2022, 2024), and consistently ranked among the top in recruiting.
Smart’s leadership style, marked by relentless preparation, defensive brilliance, and deep player relationships, has earned him the admiration of both peers and rivals.
“Kirby isn’t just coaching a team—he’s building a legacy,” said SEC Network analyst and former Florida head coach Dan Mullen. “You don’t walk away from something like that unless it’s broken. And Georgia’s anything but broken.”
What’s Next for Georgia?
For Georgia, Smart’s decision is more than a retention—it’s a statement to recruits, boosters, and the entire college football world. In the middle of an aggressive arms race where schools are fighting not just for talent but for stability, Smart’s presence is an anchor.
University of Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks called it “a defining moment.”
“Kirby’s not just our coach—he’s the heartbeat of this program. His decision to stay, despite historic offers elsewhere, speaks to the culture he’s created here. Georgia is home, and we’re grateful he believes that.”
Sources say the university is already in discussions to restructure Smart’s current deal—which pays him $10.7 million annually—likely including enhanced performance incentives and long-term facility investments.
Reverberations Across the Country
The ripple effects of Smart’s decision are immediate and far-reaching. Both Michigan and Notre Dame are now forced back to the drawing board, just weeks before major recruiting deadlines and summer camp rollouts.
Names like Dan Lanning (Oregon), Mike Norvell (Florida State), and even former NFL coach Kliff Kingsbury have already emerged as potential backup options. But none carry the same gravity or immediate championship credibility that Smart brings.
“When Kirby Smart tells you no, that’s a gut punch,” said ESPN insider Pete Thamel. “That kind of rejection sets off a chain reaction across the sport. Now other schools start calling, dominoes start falling. This was a major move.”
The Fans Speak
Perhaps the most passionate reactions have come from Georgia fans themselves, who flooded social media with gratitude and celebration.
“Kirby turning down that kind of money tells you everything you need to know. He is Georgia,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another wrote: “Nick Saban retired. Dabo fell off. Lincoln Riley fled to the Big Ten. Kirby stayed. That’s why we’re on top.”
Final Thoughts
In a college football world dominated by headline-chasing and financial one-upmanship, Kirby Smart has drawn a clear line in red and black.
He’s not chasing a paycheck or a new challenge. He’s not running toward the spotlight. He’s staying in Athens. And with that, Georgia’s reign atop the sport looks far from over.
Kirby Smart isn’t just the Bulldogs’ coach—he’s their identity. And in 2025, that identity remains stronger than ever.
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