Highest Paid NFL Coaches

The NFL isn’t just home to some of the world’s most elite athletes. It is where top coaching talent earns staggering paychecks for leading franchises to glory. From Super Bowl-winning veterans to rising stars commanding massive contracts, coaching salaries reflect prestige and pressure. In this list, compiled by Sportico, we look at the highest-paid NFL coaches today, exploring who’s at the top and what makes their multimillion-dollar deals stand out.

10. Kevin O’Connell

Average Annual Salary: $13M

Current Team: Minnesota Vikings (2022–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 36-21 (.632), AP NFL Coach of the Year (2024)

10. Ben Johnson

Average Annual Salary: $13M

Current Team: Chicago Bears (2025–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 2-2 (.500)

8. Mike Vrabel

Average Annual Salary: $14M

Current Team: New England Patriots (2025–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 58-50 (.537), NFL Coach of the Year (2021)

8. Kyle Shanahan

Average Annual Salary: $14M

Current Team: San Francisco 49ers (2017–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 81-67 (.547), Sporting News Coach of the Year (2019)

6. Nick Siriani

Average Annual Salary: $15M

Current Team: Philadelphia Eagles (2021–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 58-23 (.716), Super Bowl champion (LIX), Greasy Neale Award (2022)

6. Sean McVay

Average Annual Salary: $15M

Current Team: Los Angeles Rams (2017–Present)

Head Coaching Stats: 91-58 (.611), Super Bowl champion (LVI), AP NFL Coach of the Year (2017)

Youngest head coach hired in NFL history (30), Youngest head coach to reach the Super Bowl (33), Youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl (36)

4. Jim Harbaugh

Average Annual Salary: $16M

Current Team: Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)

Head Coaching Stats: 63–30–1 (.676), Super Bowl champion (LVI), NFL Coach of the Year (2011)

4. Mike Tomlin

Average Annual Salary: $16M

Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (2007–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 194–119–2 (.619), Super Bowl champion (XLIII)

Most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin coaching career (18)

3. John Harbaugh

Average Annual Salary: $17M

Current Team: Baltimore Ravens (2008–Present)

Head Coaching Stats: 186–118 (.612), Super Bowl champion (XLVII), AP NFL Coach of the Year (2019)

Most road playoff wins (8)

2. Sean Payton

Average Annual Salary: $18M

Current Team: Denver Broncos (2023–Present)

Head Coaching Stats: 181–116 (.609), Super Bowl champion (XLIV), AP Coach of the Year (2006), 2× Greasy Neale Award (2006, 2009)

1. Andy Reid

Average Annual Salary: $20M

Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs (2013–present)

Head Coaching Stats: 302–165–1 (.646), 3x Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII, LVIII), AP NFL Coach of the Year (2002), 3x Sporting News Coach of the Year (2000, 2002, 2018), Pro Football Weekly Coach of the Year (2002), 4x Greasy Neale Award (2000, 2002, 2010, 2018)

Conclusion 

NFL coaching is one of the most demanding jobs in sports, and these salaries prove how much franchises are willing to invest in leadership, strategy, and culture. The list of the highest-paid NFL coaches shines a light on the big money behind the sidelines and the immense expectations placed on those who earn it. For fans and followers alike, it’s a reminder that in football, the game is as much about who’s calling the plays as who’s executing them.