As of 2025, Andy Reid stands as the highest paid NFL coach, earning a remarkable $20 million annually with the Kansas City Chiefs. This substantial salary reflects his exceptional leadership, having guided the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances. Reid’s consistent success and strategic acumen have solidified his position at the top of the coaching hierarchy.
Following Reid, Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos commands an impressive $18 million per year, while both Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers earn $16 million annually. These figures place them among the highest paid coaches in the NFL, highlighting the premium placed on experienced and successful leadership in the league.
The escalating salaries of NFL head coaches underscore the league’s recognition of coaching excellence and its impact on team performance. As the NFL continues to grow in popularity and revenue, the compensation for top-tier coaches reflects their critical role in achieving success on the field. It’s evident that being among the NFL highest paid coaches is not just about the paycheck—it’s a testament to a coach’s influence and achievements in the sport.
Top 10 Highest Paid NFL Head Coaches
In the 2025 NFL season, Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, stands out with a $9 million annual salary. This places him among the highest paid NFL coaches, reflecting the league’s trend of investing heavily in coaching talent to drive team success.
Here’s a table showcasing the top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches:
| Rank | Coach | Team | Annual Salary |
| 1 | Andy Reid | Kansas City Chiefs | $20 million |
| 2 | Sean Payton | Denver Broncos | $18 million |
| 3 | Mike Tomlin | Pittsburgh Steelers | $16 million |
| 3 | Jim Harbaugh | Los Angeles Chargers | $16 million |
| 5 | Sean McVay | Los Angeles Rams | $15 million |
| 6 | Kyle Shanahan | San Francisco 49ers | $14 million |
| 7 | John Harbaugh | Baltimore Ravens | $12 million |
| 8 | Dan Campbell | Detroit Lions | $11 million |
| 8 | Sean McDermott | Buffalo Bills | $11 million |
| 10 | Mike Macdonald | Seattle Seahawks | $9 million |
These figures highlight the significant financial commitment teams make to secure top-tier coaching leadership. Being among the NFL highest paid coaches is not just about compensation; it’s a testament to a coach’s proven track record and the high expectations placed upon them.
Who is Lowest-paid NFL Coach
Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Cleveland Browns, holds the distinction of being the lowest-paid NFL coach, with an annual salary of $3.5 million. This figure is notably below the league’s average for head coaches, which hovers around $6.6 million per year. Stefanski’s compensation reflects factors such as his tenure, team performance, and market considerations.
Several elements contribute to the lower salaries of certain NFL head coaches. Coaches like Stefanski, who are relatively early in their head coaching careers, may not yet command top-tier salaries. Additionally, team performance plays a role; franchises with limited success may be less inclined to offer substantial contracts. Market size and team revenue also influence salary structures, with smaller-market teams often allocating fewer resources to coaching salaries.
Here’s a table highlighting some of the lowest-paid NFL head coaches in 2025:
| Coach | Team | Annual Salary |
| Kevin Stefanski | Cleveland Browns | $3.5 million |
| Mike McCarthy | Dallas Cowboys | $4 million |
| Zac Taylor | Cincinnati Bengals | $4.5 million |
| Matt LaFleur | Green Bay Packers | $5 million |
| Robert Saleh | New York Jets | $5 million |
NFL Fired Coaches in 2024
The 2024 NFL season witnessed significant coaching turnovers, with several head coaches dismissed due to underperformance, unmet expectations, or organizational shifts. These changes underscore the league’s high-stakes environment, where consistent results are paramount.
List of NFL Head Coaches Fired in 2024:
- Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders
- Doug Pederson – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots
- Arthur Smith – Atlanta Falcons
- Ron Rivera – Washington Commanders
- Mike Vrabel – Tennessee Titans
- Pete Carroll – Seattle Seahawks
- Bill Belichick – New England Patriots
- Brandon Staley – Los Angeles Chargers
- Frank Reich – Carolina Panthers
- Matt Eberflus – Chicago Bears
- Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints
- Robert Saleh – New York Jets
Conclusion!
Andy Reid’s recent contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, valued at $100 million over five years, solidifies his position as the highest paid NFL coach in 2025. This substantial investment reflects not only his impressive track record—leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories—but also the organization’s confidence in his continued leadership. Reid’s compensation underscores the premium placed on experienced and successful coaching in the NFL
