Georgia’s Smart gets new 7-year, $49M deal

ATHENS, GA. » Georgia coach Kirby Smart cashed in Thursday after leading the Bulldogs to the national championship game.

The school’s athletic association approved an extended seven-year contract and a new compensation package worth $49 million — roughly doubling Smart’s original deal.

Athletic director Greg McGarity said it was money well spent.

“Kirby has provided an incredible level of energy and excitement to our football program, and we look forward to his leadership for many years to come,” McGarity said in a statement.

After going 8-5 in his debut year, the Bulldogs surged to their first SEC title since 2005 and a thrilling Rose Bowl victory over Oklahoma in the national semifinals.

In an interesting twist, Smart’s new deal was approved on the same day that Miami announced a contract extension for his predecessor, Mark Richt. The Hurricanes extended Richt’s deal through 2023.

Claridge, who helped Devaney turn around Huskers, dies at 76

LINCOLN, NEB. » Dennis Claridge, the quarterback who helped College Football Hall of Fame coach Bob Devaney turn a moribund Nebraska program into a national power, has died. He was 76.

Claridge led the Cornhuskers to records of 9-2 in 1962 and 10-1 in 1963, Devaney’s first two years in Lincoln.