Georgia releases contract details for new basketball coach Mike White

The Georgia Bulldogs released the terms for new head basketball coach Mike White’s contract, The Athletic’s Seth Emerson tweeted Tuesday. White’s contract is for six years, beginning with a salary of $3.4 million this upcoming season that will increase to $3.9 million by the final season in 2027-28.

Additionally, Georgia paid $1.3 million directly to Florida to help with White’s buyout.

White is set to take over for Tom Crean, whom Georgia fired this offseason after a 6-26 (1-17 SEC) finish. Prior to taking the Bulldogs job, White spent seven seasons in Gainesville as the coach of the Gators. In that time, he compiled a 142-88 overall record, leading them to four NCAA Tournament appearances.

Georgia’s win total from this past season was one of the lowest in school history. With White’s history of making the NCAA Tournament, he’ll hope to lead the Bulldogs back to the dance for the first time since 2015.

More details on Mike White’s move from Florida to Georgia

Mike White’s move came as a surprise initially when reported, but ultimately it appeared to be a best case scenario for both schools. White’s time at Florida appeared to be coming to a head after a disappointing end to their 2021-22 season, and Georgia was in desperate need for a fresh start after firing Tom Crean just days before.

“Instead of being on the hot seat at Florida next season, White gets a new deal and a fresh start at UGA,” stated ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “He’d been extended through 2027 at Florida. UGA will pay Florida about $1.25 million in buyout money.”

According to Mark Long of the Associated Press, the decision shows how bad the relationship between coach and school had become over the past years. White feared it would impact his family.

“Mike White leaving Florida for Georgia shows just how badly he and his family wanted out,” Long posted on Twitter. “It had become really toxic with a vocal segment of the fanbase, and White didn’t want his young kids affected by it at school and via social media.”

In White’s final season, Florida finished with a 19-13 record and a loss to Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament. Florida made four straight tournaments before this season, from 2017-2021, and the downwards turn for White’s team appeared to be another factor in his decision to move on from the school.

On3’s Austin Brezina and James Fletcher contributed to this report.