ATHENS — The deal is done.

Kirby Smart will officially become Georgia’s head coach early Sunday afternoon. The University announced that it will hold a telephonic meeting with the executive committee of the UGA Athletic Association board of directors at 12:30 p.m. for the purpose of “discussion and deliberation of the hiring and compensation of a public employee.”

As the AJC and DawgNation reported last week, that person is Smart.

Any head coaching hire has to be ratified by the executive committee of the athletic board. UGA President Jere Morehead is chairman of the group.

Smart is expected to receive a six-year contract. He is not expected to make more than previous coach Mark Richt, who earned $4.1 million a year. Smart earned $1.5 million a year as defensive coordinator at Alabama.

There will be no news conference on Sunday, the school said. That is expected to take place on Monday at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

Smart, 39, grew up in Bainbridge, the son high school football coach Sonny Smart. Smart played defensive back at Georgia under Ray Goff and Jim Donnan from 1995-98. He was named team captain his senior year and finished his career with 13 interceptions, which ranks fourth all-time at Georgia.

Smart is married to Mary Beth Lycett, who played basketball at Georgia. They have three children.