Kirby Smart Lists $4.2M Mansion Following $130M Contract Extension: Bigger House Search Begins
Bigger pockets often lead to bigger and better homes, don’t they? At least, Kirby Smart seems to think so. At the beginning of this month, the Georgia Bulldogs officials elevated their head coach to the pinnacle of college football coaching by awarding him a lucrative $130 million contract spanning the next decade. Previously set to earn $10.75 million this year under his old contract, Smart’s salary is now boosted to $13 million annually, with guaranteed payments for the first half of his contract, extending through the 2033 season.
According to a source, Smart’s new deal also includes the potential to earn up to $1.55 million in bonuses. Now, as he embarks on his 9th season with the Dawgs in the SEC, reports suggest that Smart has listed his Athens home for sale and is on the lookout for an even “bigger” one in Georgia.
According to an update from Everything Georgia on May 28th, Smart is purportedly preparing to list his “7 bed 7 bath house in Athens for sale and is in search of a more spacious residence.” As per reports, the Smart family has affixed a price tag of $4.2 million to their 7,130-square-foot property.
Georgia HC Kirby Smart just put his 7 bed 7 bath house in Athens up for sale and is looking for a bigger house. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/otEYBzegcs
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) May 28, 2024
The abode we’re talking about is situated in Athens’ Five Points neighborhood and holds the distinction of being the most expensive listing in the area. The estate encompasses a total of 2.2 acres and features an original 1920s stone cottage attached to a newer home. But amid this, one thing is evident: the Smart family has a penchant for spacious residences, a sentiment echoed by Mrs. Smart back in 2017, considering her husband’s football background.
The Smart Family’s Love for Spacious Residences
In an interview in 2017, Kirby’s wife, Mary Beth Lycett, revealed that she was initially drawn to the area because of the historic cottage. Over the years, the space has played host to numerous Georgia VIPs, star players, and recruits from across the nation. “We had a set of unique needs for this home, which is one reason it took six months to find,” Mary Beth explained. “There are times when we might host players and their families, along with all the coaches, and 75 people could be here at once.”
The stone facade influenced the design choices for the new construction, guiding them towards a modern farmhouse style—complete with shiplap walls, barn doors, industrial lighting, and accents of pecky cypress. The main room features a coffered ceiling and leads into a spacious kitchen equipped with professional-grade appliances. A large island, wine fridge, and walk-in pantry with a coffee station enhance the kitchen’s functionality. The walk-in closet resembles a boutique and features a storage island and mirrored shoe shelves. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms share a marble bath and are accompanied by a small library with built-in shelves.
The lower level offers ample entertainment space and accommodates pool and ping-pong tables. A two-car garage with a carriage house above complements the stone cottage, featuring a generous main room, fireplace, guest suite, and a powder room. The backyard includes a covered stone patio, a screened porch, and a barbecue station for outdoor gatherings. While Kirby offered input on certain design elements, such as television placement for sports viewing, his schedule has been relentless ever since taking charge of the SEC team.
From Football to Real Estate: The Smarts’ Move
Now that the house is set to hit the market, you could become the next resident living like the Bulldogs’ head coach, albeit at a hefty price tag. The luxurious property showcases not only the Smart family’s taste for grandeur but also their inclination for blending historical charm with modern comforts.
Kirby Smart’s pursuit of a larger home mirrors his professional ascent, embodying his continuous drive for growth and excellence. As he gears up for another successful season with the Bulldogs, his new home search signifies more than just a move; it marks a new chapter in both his personal and professional life.
The real estate market in Athens is about to get a lot more interesting, with Smart’s impressive estate likely drawing attention from high-profile buyers looking to capture a piece of the Bulldogs’ legacy. Stay tuned as we watch this high-stakes home sale unfold.