BREAKING: “$15 Million? Keep it!” – Kirby Smart’s Bold Rejection of Florida and Alabama Sends Shockwaves Through NCAA
In a jaw-dropping move that has stunned the college football world, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has reportedly turned down massive coaching offers from two of the sport’s powerhouses — the Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide — offers reportedly worth up to $15 million per year.
Sources close to the situation revealed that both SEC rivals approached Smart with long-term contracts and aggressive compensation packages in an attempt to lure him away from Athens. But Smart’s response was as clear as it was defiant:
> “$15 million? Keep it.”
This firm rejection wasn’t just about money — it was a statement. It underscored Kirby Smart’s unshakable loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs and reinforced his identity as the heart and soul of the program he’s transformed into a perennial championship contender.
Smart’s decision sends a powerful message throughout the NCAA: some coaches still value legacy, loyalty, and unfinished business over dollar signs.
Why It Matters:
Kirby Smart is not just a coach — he’s the architect of Georgia’s modern dynasty. Since taking the reins in 2016, he’s led the Bulldogs to multiple SEC Championships and back-to-back National Championships (2021, 2022), elevating the program to elite status. With Nick Saban’s retirement and Brian Kelly’s ongoing struggles, many speculated Smart would be the prime target for programs in flux — particularly Alabama, where he once served as defensive coordinator.
But instead of returning to Tuscaloosa or crossing the border to Gainesville, Smart made a choice that echoes louder than any press conference quote: he’s all in on Georgia.
Reactions:
Bulldogs fans erupted with pride, flooding social media with praise and renewed support for their coach.
Florida and Alabama insiders are reportedly “scrambling” to reassess their coaching search after the failed coup.
NCAA analysts are calling it one of the boldest refusals in recent coaching memory.
Bottom Line:
Kirby Smart isn’t just building a legacy — he’s cementing it. His rejection of two of the biggest offers in college football history doesn’t just prove his loyalty to Georgia; it proves that some dynasties aren’t built on paychecks — they’re built on purpose.
And in Athens, that purpose is clear: Keep winning. Keep building. And keep it in the family
