Liam Cohen (Jacksonville Jaguars) – $12 million
Liam Coen, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, signed a five-year contract in January 2025 worth approximately $12 million annually. This salary is a significant increase from what he would have earned as an offensive coordinator, making him one of the top-paid NFL coaches despite it being his first head coaching role. Coen’s contract places him as the 10th highest-paid coach in the NFL. His hiring came after a dramatic offseason where he left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had offered him a lucrative extension. Jaguars owner Shahid Khan personally chose Coen, aiming for a turnaround for the team with the young quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The contract reflects the Jaguars’ strong commitment to building a championship culture under Coen’s leadership.
John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens) – $12 million
John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, earns an annual salary of approximately $12 million as of 2025. This salary ranks him among the top-paid NFL coaches. Harbaugh has been the Ravens’ head coach since 2008 and has extended his contract multiple times, with his latest extension signed in 2022, securing his position through 2025. He is highly respected for his successful coaching career, including leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2013 and multiple AFC North titles. His salary reflects his experience, success, and long tenure with the team. Harbaugh’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, making him one of the wealthiest and most successful coaches in the league.
Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings) – $13 million
Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, signed a multiyear contract extension in January 2025, increasing his annual salary to about $13 million. This extension reflects a significant raise from his previous $5 million salary and places him among the top 10 highest-paid NFL coaches. The new deal reportedly spans five years, valued at around $60–65 million in total, securing his role through the 2029 season. O’Connell was praised for leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record and winning the NFC North in his first season. His contract likely includes performance incentives tied to playoff appearances and division wins. This salary signals strong confidence in his coaching abilities and vision for the franchise’s future success.
Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) – $13 million
Ben Johnson, head coach of the Chicago Bears, has an annual salary of approximately $13 million in 2025, making him the seventh-highest-paid NFL coach. His contract is worth around $65 million over five years, reflecting the Bears’ strong investment and high expectations for his role in rebuilding the team. Johnson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was hired to lead the Bears in developing their young roster, especially focusing on quarterback Caleb Williams. His salary surpasses that of many established NFL players and coaches, indicating the franchise’s commitment to his vision for success. This lucrative contract highlights a strategic shift for the Bears aiming to improve after several seasons without playoff appearances.
Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers) – $14 million
Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, earns an estimated $14 million annually as of 2025. This salary makes him the sixth-highest-paid NFL coach. Shanahan signed a multi-year contract extension in 2023, which reportedly runs through the 2027 season, reflecting the organization’s long-term commitment to him. He initially signed with the 49ers in 2017, starting with a $3.5 million salary, which increased significantly with subsequent extensions. Known for his strategic acumen and leading the 49ers to multiple NFC Championship games and two Super Bowl appearances, Shanahan’s compensation aligns with his successful coaching record. His contract highlights are a testament to his value and status as one of the elite coaches in the league.
Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams) – $15 million
Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, earns an annual salary of approximately $15 million in 2025, making him the fifth-highest-paid NFL coach. McVay became the youngest head coach in the modern NFL era when hired in 2017 and quickly made a significant impact, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in the 2021-22 season and multiple playoff appearances. His current contract, signed in 2022, extends through the 2026 season and reflects the Rams’ confidence in his leadership and coaching acumen. McVay turned down a lucrative broadcasting deal to continue coaching, focusing on bringing more success to the franchise. His salary and contract affirm his status as one of the elite coaches in the league.
Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers) – $16 million
Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, earns an annual salary of approximately $16 million in 2025, making him the third-highest-paid NFL coach. He signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chargers shortly after leaving a successful collegiate coaching stint at the University of Michigan, where he earned up to $11.5 million annually. Harbaugh is known for his extensive NFL and college coaching experience, including leading the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2013. His salary reflects his status as one of the top coaches in the league and the significant investment the Chargers have made to turn the team into a contender. Harbaugh’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers) – $16 million
Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, earns an annual salary of approximately $16 million in 2025. He signed a three-year, $50 million contract extension in June 2024, keeping him with the Steelers through the 2027 season. Tomlin is one of the longest-tenured active NFL coaches and has led the Steelers to 12 playoff appearances, seven division titles, and a Super Bowl XLIII victory in 2009. His salary ranks him among the top three highest-paid NFL coaches. Tomlin’s consistent success and leadership have made him a highly valued figure in the league, with a net worth estimated around $30 million. His contract reflects the Steelers’ confidence in his coaching abilities and long-term vision for the franchise.
Sean Payton (Denver Broncos) – $18 million
Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, earns an annual salary of approximately $18 million in 2025, making him the second-highest-paid NFL coach. He signed a five-year contract extension in early 2023, valued between $17 million and $20 million per year, the largest in Broncos franchise history and among the top in the league. Payton’s salary surpasses that of all but a few elite NFL coaches, reflecting the Broncos’ commitment to rebuilding and competing at a high level. His impact was evident as the Broncos made the playoffs in 2024 under his leadership. Payton’s contract underscores his value as a veteran Super Bowl-winning coach with a proven track record.
Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs) – $20 million
Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, earns an annual salary of $20 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid NFL coach. In April 2024, Reid signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension that secures his position through the 2029 season. This deal significantly increased his salary from $11.5 million to $20 million per year. Reid’s leadership has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ recent successes, including two Super Bowl victories in 2022 and 2023 and multiple AFC title game appearances. His immense coaching achievements, including being the only coach to win 100 games with two different teams, justify his top-tier salary. Reid not only commands respect for his on-field success but also has lucrative endorsements contributing to his overall net worth of around $50 million.