Mike White’s work in Athens is getting rewarded - and locked in for the long haul.
Georgia’s head basketball coach has officially secured a three-year contract extension that keeps him with the Bulldogs through April 2031. The deal, signed by White, athletic director Josh Brooks, and university president Jere Morehead, bumps his compensation steadily over the life of the agreement, reflecting both his recent success and the program’s growing momentum.
White’s total pay starts at $3.91 million this season and climbs to $4.41 million by the final year of the deal. That includes a $410,000 annual base salary and supplemental compensation that begins at $3.5 million and increases by $100,000 each year, topping out at $4 million in the final season. It’s a clear vote of confidence from Georgia’s administration - and a sign that the school is serious about building something sustainable in a tough SEC landscape.
Now in his fourth season with the Bulldogs, White has posted a 73-52 record and is fresh off leading Georgia back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. That postseason breakthrough was a turning point for the program - and a big reason why this extension came together.
Georgia enters this week 17-6 overall and 5-5 in SEC play, with a Wednesday night showdown against Florida looming. At this point in the season, the Bulldogs are projected to be safely in the field for March Madness once again, a testament to the progress under White’s leadership.
The financial terms of the contract also lay out a detailed roadmap for both sides in case of an early exit. If Georgia were to part ways with White without cause before the end of the 2026-27 season, he’d be owed 75% of his remaining base salary and supplemental compensation. That number drops to 40% if the separation happens between the 2026-27 and 2029-30 seasons, before rising back to 75% after the 2029-30 campaign.
On the flip side, if White decides to walk away, there’s a steep buyout structure in place. He’d owe Georgia $10 million if he leaves before the end of this season, with that number gradually decreasing each year - down to $3.5 million if he departs during the final two seasons of the deal.
This extension isn’t just about dollars and years - it’s about stability and belief. Georgia is clearly betting on White as the architect of a new era for Bulldogs basketball. And with the program trending upward, that bet is starting to look like a smart one.