How Much Do NFL Football Coaches Make? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · July 14, 2040

NFL football coaches make an average annual salary of $6.5 million, with head coaches earning between $4 million and over $13 million depending on experience, team performance, and market size. Top earners like Bill Belichick and Andy Reid exceed $10 million, while assistant coaches typically earn between $100,000 and $500,000.

Understanding NFL Coach Salaries

The compensation for NFL coaches varies widely based on role, tenure, success, and franchise. Head coaches command the highest salaries, followed by coordinators and assistant staff. Unlike players, coaches do not have a standardized pay scale, and contracts are individually negotiated.

Factors Influencing Coaching Pay

Team Performance: Winning seasons and playoff appearances often lead to contract extensions and raises.
Experience and Reputation: Proven winners like Andy Reid or Mike Tomlin receive premium pay.
Market Size: Teams in large markets (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) may offer higher compensation.
Contract Length and Bonuses: Multi-year deals with incentives can significantly increase total earnings.
Front Office Structure: Some coaches also hold executive titles (e.g., GM), increasing their pay.

Head Coach vs. Assistant Coach Compensation

While head coaches dominate headlines with multimillion-dollar contracts, the pay gap between them and assistant coaches is substantial. Most assistants earn modest salaries relative to their workload, especially during the season.

Typical Salary Ranges by Role

Head Coach: $4M – $13M+
Offensive/Defensive Coordinator: $800K – $2.5M
Position Coach (e.g., QBs, Linebackers): $150K – $500K
Quality Control & Graduate Assistants: $50K – $100K

Coach	Team (2025)	Annual Salary ($)	Contract Notes
Andy Reid	Kansas City Chiefs	12,000,000	Extended through 2027; includes Super Bowl incentives
Mike Tomlin	Pittsburgh Steelers	10,500,000	No formal contract extension since 2019; consistent performance
Sean Payton	Denver Broncos	10,000,000	5-year deal signed in 2023 after retirement from Saints
Kyle Shanahan	San Francisco 49ers	9,000,000	Extended in 2023; strong offensive reputation
Bill Belichick	Retired (Former: New England Patriots)	13,000,000	Highest-paid coach in NFL history at retirement
Devin McCourty	New England Patriots (DB Coach)	400,000	Former player transitioning to coaching
Robert Saleh	New York Jets	6,000,000	Fired mid-season 2024; paid full guaranteed amount

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that elite head coaches earn between $9 million and $13 million annually, with job security often tied to short-term results. Despite high-profile firings, guaranteed contracts ensure coaches receive full pay even after dismissal. In contrast, assistant roles remain financially modest, though critical to team operations.

How Coaching Contracts Work in the NFL

NFL coaching contracts are legally binding agreements that outline salary, duration, bonuses, and termination clauses. Unlike player contracts, most coaching deals are fully guaranteed, meaning coaches get paid even if fired before the contract ends.

Key Contract Elements

Guaranteed Money: Nearly all head coach contracts are fully guaranteed.
Bonuses: Includes playoff advancement, division titles, and Super Bowl wins.
Buyout Clauses: May apply if a coach leaves for another job prematurely.
Staff Funding: Coaches often receive budgets to pay assistant staff, influencing hiring decisions.

FAQ About NFL Coach Salaries

Who is the highest-paid NFL coach in 2025?

As of 2025, Bill Belichick remains the highest-paid NFL coach in history, earning $13 million annually before retiring from the New England Patriots. Currently, Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs earns $12 million per year, making him the top active earner.

Do NFL coaches get paid if they are fired?

Yes, most NFL head coaches have fully guaranteed contracts, meaning they receive all contracted salary even if dismissed mid-season. For example, Robert Saleh was paid his full $6 million annual salary after being fired by the Jets in 2024.

How much do assistant NFL coaches make?

Assistant NFL coaches typically earn between $100,000 and $500,000 annually. Position coaches (e.g., quarterbacks, defensive line) fall in this range, while entry-level quality control staff may earn $50,000–$100,000.

Are NFL coach salaries public?

No, NFL coach salaries are not officially disclosed by the league. However, reputable outlets like Spotrac, Forbes, and ESPN report figures based on insider sources, contract filings, and team disclosures.

How do NFL coaching salaries compare to other sports?

NFL head coaches are among the highest-paid in professional sports. Their average salary exceeds that of NBA ($7M) and MLB ($5M) managers. Only a few NFL assistants match lower-tier NBA or NHL assistant salaries.