Sportico’s Ranks The Top-Earning Coaches in Sports

By Dr. Josh Greer

Sportico recently unveiled its annual ranking of the highest-paid coaches in sports, delivering an in-depth look at how much top teams and organizations are willing to invest in leadership. This analysis, based on conversations with teams, agents, and executive recruiters, as well as public records and published reports for public university coaches, focuses on Average Annual Value (AAV). The rankings account for recent contract extensions but exclude incentives, offering a clear view of base compensation across leagues.

The breakdown is compelling: 21 coaches in college football, 13 in the NFL, 13 in the NBA, two in college basketball, and just one in MLB made the cut. Coaches included were all active as of November 20, 2024. However, Sportico did not factor in global soccer managers earning $10 million or more annually, such as Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), and Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid)—a testament to how the global sports landscape could shift the rankings further.

This year’s list features a new name at the top. Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, takes the crown from Bill Belichick, who had held the No. 1 spot in Sportico’s first three editions of this ranking. Reid’s ascension comes after an incredible run of success: three Super Bowl titles in five years and back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. The Chiefs rewarded “Big Red” with a five-year, $100 million contract, solidifying his legacy as the only NFL coach to notch 100 wins with two franchises—Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following closely behind is Sean Payton, who returned to coaching in 2023 with the Denver Broncos after a brief hiatus. His five-year contract places him second on the list. Payton’s value has long been evident; during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, where he won a Super Bowl in 2009, he was already earning $14 million annually before stepping away in 2021.

On the NBA side, Steve Kerr climbed the ranks after signing a two-year extension in February 2024 that nearly doubled his salary. Kerr has been a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors’ dominance, guiding the team to six NBA Finals and four championships in his first eight seasons. Meanwhile, Gregg Popovich, the league’s longest-tenured coach, secured a five-year deal worth $17 million annually in 2023. Popovich, a pillar of consistency and success for the San Antonio Spurs, recently stepped away from coaching following a mild stroke.

Rounding out the top five are Mike Tomlin and Jim Harbaugh, tied at $16 million per year. Tomlin, a model of stability for the Pittsburgh Steelers, received a three-year extension through 2027. Harbaugh, on the other hand, made a seismic jump in earnings. After leading Michigan to a national championship, he returned to the NFL as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers with a five-year, $80 million deal.

Sportico’s research showcases just how much teams value elite coaching, and their methodology ensures a reliable snapshot of the coaching landscape. These figures not only reflect the staggering financial rewards available at the top level but also underscore the immense pressure and expectations placed on those leading the way. Full credit goes to Sportico for compiling such a comprehensive and insightful analysis. Their work highlights the evolving dynamics of compensation across sports and emphasizes the vital role these leaders play in shaping their teams’ success.