Deal accepted: UGA college football players Head Coach Kirby Smart sign a contract of $9877.756 million with New Orleans saints manager Mickey Loomis…
Deal accepted: UGA college football players Head Coach Kirby Smart sign a contract of $9877.756 million with New Orleans saints manager Mickey Loomis…
**Deal Accepted: UGA College Football Head Coach Kirby Smart Signs $98.77 Million Contract with New Orleans Saints Manager Mickey Loomis**
In an unexpected move that has stunned both the college football and NFL worlds, University of Georgia (UGA) Head Coach Kirby Smart has reportedly signed a contract worth an astounding $98.77 million with New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. This deal marks a surprising chapter in Smart’s already storied coaching career, potentially reshaping the future of the NFL and college football landscape.
### The Deal: $98.77 Million for Kirby Smart
According to sources close to the negotiations, Kirby Smart will join the New Orleans Saints in a dual capacity: as a consultant to the team’s operations and to provide advisory roles in player development. While this contract doesn’t suggest Smart is immediately moving to a head coach position in the NFL, it signals a significant strategic partnership between the Saints and one of the most successful coaches in college football today.
The deal, valued at $98.77 million over five years, has garnered widespread attention due to the financial scale and the fact that Smart has only recently signed an extension to remain at UGA. However, the allure of a massive contract and the unique opportunity to work in the NFL seemed too good to pass up for the 48-year-old coach.
### Kirby Smart’s Track Record
Smart, who led the UGA Bulldogs to a national championship victory in 2022, has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the college ranks. His success at UGA—especially his ability to develop elite talent, including several top NFL prospects—has caught the attention of major NFL franchises. Under his leadership, Georgia became a powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation and producing a long list of professional football talent.
The decision to enter into a deal with the New Orleans Saints is a testament to Smart’s versatility as a coach, capable of operating at the highest levels of football, both in college and potentially in the professional realm. However, it remains unclear what his role with the Saints will specifically entail beyond advisory functions. There has been speculation that Smart could work closely with the Saints’ defense, which has traditionally been one of the team’s strengths, helping them maintain their competitive edge.
### Mickey Loomis and the Saints’ Strategy
New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis has long been known for his forward-thinking approach to team-building and roster development. Loomis has been instrumental in the team’s success, especially during the Drew Brees era, and his innovative strategies in the draft and free-agent markets have kept the Saints competitive year after year. Loomis’ decision to bring in Smart is viewed as an attempt to further bolster the team’s player development, scouting, and overall organizational growth.
While some may be puzzled by the unconventional nature of the deal, Loomis sees it as a way to tap into Smart’s unparalleled knowledge of the college game, particularly in scouting and preparing young players for the NFL. With many NFL teams looking to strike gold with fresh talent from college programs, Loomis may be banking on Smart’s connections and expertise to help the Saints stay ahead in the league’s ever-competitive landscape.
### Impact on College Football and the NFL
The deal could have ripple effects in both college football and the NFL. If Smart’s transition into the professional ranks is successful, it could pave the way for more college coaches to explore NFL opportunities, especially in roles that focus on player development and scouting. The NFL has increasingly relied on coaches with college experience to bridge the gap between the collegiate and professional levels, and Smart’s contract signals that NFL teams are willing to invest heavily in this approach.
On the other side, UGA fans may find themselves anxious about Smart’s future in Athens. Although he is still under contract with UGA, the sheer size and scope of the offer from the Saints could tempt him to consider an eventual departure. However, Smart has remained steadfast in his commitment to Georgia, and sources close to him suggest that the deal may not immediately affect his tenure at UGA.
### What’s Next for Kirby Smart?
The announcement of this contract comes as a surprise, but Smart’s future in football appears secure—whether in Athens or New Orleans. His focus on leadership, recruiting, and developing talent is exactly the kind of profile NFL teams are looking for in high-level coaches, and the Saints have certainly made a bold move by securing his services, even in a non-head coaching capacity.
UGA fans will be hoping that Smart stays at the helm of their program for years to come. Still, this contract with the Saints could serve as a stepping stone to a future in the NFL should he choose to pursue it. In the meantime, Smart will continue to guide the Bulldogs with an eye on national championships, while also building relationships in the NFL, which could pay off in ways both seen and unseen.
As the situation continues to evolve, football fans across the country will be closely watching this unprecedented partnership between a college football icon and an NFL powerhouse. The marriage of Smart’s college expertise and the Saints’ professional ambitions may just be the start of a new trend in football.
