The NFL stars often rank among the highest-earning sports personalities in the world. Their NFL contracts, endorsement deals, business ventures, and investments make them some of the richest athletes globally.
However, it’s not just the players who make the big bucks in the league. NFL coaches have some of the most lucrative deals across sports. Revered coaches like Andy Reid, John Harbaugh, and others also make millions of dollars from their respective teams.
In a way, a coach’s effectiveness is directly related to the kind of money their players can make. If a coach helps a team win a Super Bowl, the Super Bowl-winning player can charge more for endorsements and have better negotiating power for their next contract.
In that process, the winning coach also raises his own value and generates millions of dollars for himself.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches in 2026 and see who earns the most from the coaching talent pool.
Ben Johnson
After years of being a position coach for different franchises, Ben Johnson became the head coach of the Chicago Bears, and the big job came with perks. Johnson draws a $13 million annual salary from the Bears. In his first year, he has taken the Bears to the Divisional Round, where they’ll face the Rams.
Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel previously served as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. In 2025, the Patriots offered him a $14 million/year contract, which turned out to be a season-defining decision.
Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan possesses an unparalleled ability to develop offensive powerhouses. That talent was recognized by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 when they offered him a $14 million/year contract. He is tied with Vrabel for the ninth position.
Nick Sirianni
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Nick Sirianni in 2021 on a $15 million/year deal. Sirianni has delivered on the promise, taking the Eagles to the playoffs every year since he joined and helping them win the Super Bowl in 2024.
Sean McVay
McVay joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 on a $15 million/year contract. Since then, the Rams have made seven playoff appearances and have won one Super Bowl in 2021.
Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin is no longer with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He resigned from his job on January 13 following the Steelers’ Wild Card Round loss against the Texans. Before that, he was making $16 million a year coaching the Steelers.
Jim Harbaugh
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Jim Harbaugh in 2024 following his memorable stint with the Michigan Wolverines. With a proven track record in college football, Harbaugh managed to land a $16 million contract with the Chargers.
John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh is currently the most desirable head coach on the market. He became the Ravens’ head coach in 2008 and was fired on January 6, 2026. Before that, he was making $17 million per year from his Ravens contract.
Sean Payton
Sean Payton has been coaching football since 1988. The decades of experience helped him secure an $18 million annual salary from the Denver Broncos in 2023. Payton’s team is currently in the Divisional Round and will play the Bills on Saturday.
Andy Reid
It’s no surprise that Andy Reid is the highest-paid coach in the league. He takes home a $20 million annual salary, and that’s justified by the dynasty he built with the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, this year marks the end of the Chiefs’ dynasty after they failed to make the playoffs, but Reid’s salary hasn’t taken a hit.
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