NFL's highest-paid coaches in 2025, from Andy Reid to Sean Payton

Daniel Mader

•
NFL's highest-paid coaches in 2025, from Andy Reid to Sean Payton image

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL players continue to earn record amounts of money in 2025, setting new bars for their peers in terms of dollars added to their contracts. An elite player — especially a quarterback — can make a huge difference in Super Bowl chances. But what about the coaches?

While job security is always a massive question for an NFL head coach, teams are always bringing them in hoping to have found the next football mastermind. Some squads' hires have paid off massively, like Andy Reid's 2013 decision to join the Kansas City Chiefs. Other coaches don't quite live up to the NFL contract they signed.

Dollar amounts attached to NFL coaching contracts can be difficult to assess, as teams aren't required to disclose the coach's finances. However, reporting has helped unveil some of the highest-paid coaches in the 2025 season, including some of the biggest names on the sidelines.

Here's a look at the reported highest-paid head coaches in the 2025 NFL season.

*The following coaches were not included because of non-reported salary details or interim status with teams: Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals; Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers; Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts; Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints; Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys; Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders; Mike Kafka, New York Giants; Mike McCoy, Tennessee Titans. 

MORE: Who are the highest-paid coaches in college football? 

1. Andy Reid, Chiefs

 

  • 2025 salary: $20 million
  • Source: Sportico

In professional sports, there's no easier way to become one of the highest-paid figures in your league than winning. Andy Reid is the epitome of that, reportedly the highest-paid head coach out there as a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs.

When Reid joined Kansas City back in 2013, he was an accomplished coach with known elite offensive schemes, but he hadn't been able to break through with a title in Philadelphia. What's followed is one of the greatest stints for a coach in NFL history, with 11 playoff appearances in his first 12 seasons.

Front Office Sports reported in April 2024 that Reid had inked a new five-year, $100 million extension to remain with the Chiefs through the 2029 season. Already just the fifth head coach with three or more Super Bowl wins, Reid will continue to have opportunities to add trophies. 

MORE: Full timeline of sideline incidents between Andy Reid, Travis Kelce

2. Sean Payton, Broncos

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

 

  • 2025 salary: $18 million
  • Source: Sportico

Sean Payton initially retired in 2021 after his long stint with the New Orleans Saints. He was considered to be done with coaching, enjoying the retired life with a Super Bowl and a Coach of the Year trophy already from his time in New Orleans.

Then, the Denver Broncos plucked Payton out of retirement in 2023, and he's helped the franchise return to contention once again. Payton signed a reported five-year contract with the Broncos in 2023, per CBS Sports, keeping him in Denver through the 2027 season. The Broncos and Saints worked through a trade for the Broncos to land Payton at the time.

Reportedly ranking among the highest-paid coaches in the league, Payton guided Denver back to the playoffs in 2024, the team's first postseason appearance since 2015.

MORE: What to know about Sean Payton's relationship with Aaron Glenn

3. John Harbaugh, Ravens

John Harbaugh

 

  • 2025 salary: $17 million
  • Source: Sportico

In 2008, the Baltimore Ravens hired John Harbaugh as a first-time head coach with a defensive and special teams background. It's safe to say that hire has worked out, as nearly two decades later, Harbaugh remains one of the most well-regarded coaches in the league.

Like his counterparts at the top of the reported highest-paid coaches list, Harbaugh owns a Super Bowl ring, which he secured in February 2013. The Ravens have become annual contenders behind Harbaugh, who has led both Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson as franchise quarterbacks.

In March 2025, Harbaugh signed a new three-year extension with the Ravens, which is set to keep him in Baltimore through the 2028 season, per NFL.com.

MORE: Examining Ravens' history of blown leads under John Harbaugh

T-4. Mike Tomlin, Steelers

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

 

  • 2025 salary: $16 million
  • Source: Sportico

Speaking of the longest-tenured NFL coaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been Mike Tomlin's team since 2007, even longer than John Harbaugh with the Ravens. And at an elite level, Tomlin has been able to keep the Steelers toward the top of the AFC on an annual basis.

With a Super Bowl ring in 2009 and plenty of trips to the playoffs, Tomlin holds the league record for most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career with 18. 

Pittsburgh announced it had signed Tomlin to a three-year extension in June 2024, meaning he's set to remain at the helm of the Steelers through the 2027 season.

MORE: Where does Mike Tomlin rank among longest-tenured coaches in NFL history?

T-4. Jim Harbaugh, Chargers

Jim Harbaugh

(Kirby Lee)

 

  • 2025 salary: $16 million
  • Source: Sportico

The other Harbaugh brother, Jim, returned to the NFL in January 2024 after a successful run at Michigan in college football. Already a former Coach of the Year and NFC champion in his years with the San Francisco 49ers, plus his college Coach of the Year awards and a national championship, Harbaugh came back to the NFL as one of the most well-known and experienced coaches in the league.

The Los Angeles Chargers signed Harbaugh, a big name in the coaching market, with hopes of making a jump to AFC contention. He got a strong start in 2024, guiding L.A. To the playoffs. 

Pro Football Talk reported in January 2024 that Harbaugh's Chargers deal, which is through the 2029 season, is worth $16 million annually, which would put the total value around $80 million. 

MORE: Jim Harbaugh's relationship with Najee Harris, explained

T-6. Sean McVay, Rams

Sean McVay

 

  • 2025 salary: $15 million
  • Source: Sportico

Sean McVay was once the next big thing in NFL coaching circles, becoming the Los Angeles Rams' head coach in 2017 as a big-name offensive coordinator. He's lived up to that hype, winning Coach of the Year in his debut season, then winning a Super Bowl in 2022.

Among the youngest coaches to ever lead an NFL team, McVay's offensive prowess has been on full-display with both Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford as his quarterback. Still under 40 years old as of 2025 — there's little reason to believe McVay will be going away any time soon unless he wants to — he's one of the most successful coaches out there.

In 2022, the Rams announced they had signed McVay to an extension that keeps him with the team through the 2026 season.

MORE: What is Sean McVay's head-to-head record vs. Kyle Shanahan?

T-6. Nick Sirianni, Eagles

Nick Sirianni

 

  • 2025 salary: $15 million
  • Source: Sportico

When the Philadelphia Eagles hired Nick Sirianni in 2021 as their next head coach, they faced some backlash over whether they made the right hire. A few years later, it's safe to say they have no regrets.

Sirianni, known for his offensive mind, leadership in the locker room and expressive personality, has become one of the most successful coaches in the sport in a short period of time. He did not miss the playoffs in his first four seasons, making two Super Bowl appearances and winning one in 2025.

Following that title against the Chiefs, the Eagles announced they had signed Sirianni to a "multiyear" extension. While the official length of the deal is not known, it reportedly gave the coach a pay increase since his first deal, accounting for the team's success in his tenure.

MORE: What is Nick Sirianni's net worth?

T-8. Kyle Shanahan, 49ers

 

  • 2025 salary: $14 million
  • Source: Sportico

Another offensive mastermind in the head coaching business, Kyle Shanahan, landed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 after stints with multiple teams as offensive coordinator. Since then, he's built one of the most stable and consistently talented units in the NFL.

While Shanahan has yet to break through with the 49ers for a ring, he's taken his team to the Super Bowl twice, making an additional two appearances in the NFC Championship game. Among coaches to not win a Super Bowl yet, he trails only Jim Harbaugh in contract value, according to Spotrac's reporting.

In September 2023, Shanahan signed his second extension in San Francisco, which the team called a "multiyear" deal. Official details on the length of the coach's contract have not been released, but the San Francisco Standard reported the extension "probably" runs through the 2027 season.

MORE: Breaking down 49ers' recent injury history

T-8. Mike Vrabel, Patriots

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

 

  • 2025 salary: $14 million
  • Source: Sportico

One of the few NFL figures to have played for the team he later coached, Mike Vrabel joined the New England Patriots in 2025 with a defense-first mentality and a reputation for dominance in the trenches. 

With years of head coaching experience with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel immediately helped the Patriots attempt to exit a rebuilding phase, signing a collection free agents to surround young quarterback Drake Maye. 

Terms of Vrabel's contract were not disclosed, per ESPN, but it is believed to be a "multiyear" deal. 

MORE: Why did the Titans fire Mike Vrabel?

T-10. Ben Johnson, Bears

David Banks-Imagn Images

 

  • 2025 salary: $13 million
  • Source: Sportico

For years, Ben Johnson was speculated to be the next big name among potential offense-first head coaches. In 2025, the Chicago Bears ended that speculation, bringing him in as a voice to lead phenom quarterback Caleb Williams.

Known for his elaborate offensive schemes, Johnson made a quick impact with the Bears after years with another NFC North squad, the Detroit Lions.

ESPN reported that Johnson's contract is "believed to be" worth $13 million per year over five years, coming out to an estimated $65 million in total. 

MORE: Every move made by Bears in 2025 offseason, including Ben Johnson signing

T-10. Kevin O'Connell, Vikings

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

 

  • 2025 salary: $13 million
  • Source: Sportico

With a reputation for being a "quarterback whisperer," Kevin O'Connell has followed in the McVay path of coaching, going from well-known offensive coordinator to a dynamic head coach. As a disciple of McVay, O'Connell landed with the Vikings just after winning a Super Bowl as an assistant in 2022.

Since then, he's consistently led one of the league's best offenses, whether having Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. In 2024, he was named the NFL's Coach of the Year.

In January 2025, the Vikings announced O'Connell had signed a "multiyear" extension with the franchise. Reports have indicated it was a five-year extension, but that has not been confirmed.

MORE: What does 'Skol' chant mean?

12. Aaron Glenn, Jets

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

 

  • Reported annual salary: $12 million
  • Source: Sportico

Just like Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn was claimed off the Lions' coaching staff in 2025 when the New York Jets were searching for a new head coach. With a tenacity and defensive mentality to him, Glenn stepped in to lead the team's next era.

A former player for the Jets, Glenn had gone over a decade in the league as an assistant prior to earning his head coaching role. 

According to Adam Schefter, Glenn signed a five-year deal with New York, which would keep him with the team through the 2029 season.

MORE: What role did Aaron Glenn have in Aaron Rodgers' Jets departure?

T-13. Dan Campbell, Lions

 

Dan Campbell has become one of the most well-known coaches in the NFL, turning the Detroit Lions around to become Super Bowl contenders in just a few years. 

The former tight end, known for his intensity and emotion, has made plenty of big fourth-down calls in Detroit already. The Lions have become an annual threat under Campbell.

Detroit announced in 2024 that it had signed its head coach to an extension that locked him in through the 2027 season.

MORE: Is Jack Campbell related to Dan Campbell?

T-13. Sean McDermott, Bills

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

 

Sean McDermott has been leading the Buffalo Bills since 2017, when he wasn't far removed from a Panthers stint as defensive coordinator that resulted in a Super Bowl appearance.

Now the longtime leader of Josh Allen and an annual AFC threat, McDermott is still seeking to break through with a long-awaited title. 

In June 2023, the Bills announced they had signed both McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane to extensions through the 2027 season.

MORE: Sean McDermott's full career timeline

14. Liam Coen, Jaguars

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

 

  • Reported annual salary: $10 million
  • Source: Sportico

Liam Coen had been an offensive guru all over the place before becoming a head coach, from Brown University to the Buccaneers. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed him in 2025 to lead an era mostly defined by Trevor Lawrence at quarterback.

Another coach with connections to Sean McVay, Coen has become known for his work with wide receivers and offenses. 

ESPN reported upon Coen's hiring that his deal in Jacksonville goes five years, through the 2029 season.

MORE: Why do the Jaguars say 'Duval'?

15. Mike MacDonald, Seahawks

Mike MacDonald

 

Mike MacDonald's defensive excellence in Baltimore earned him the Seattle Seahawks' head coaching job in 2024. He had high expectations, replacing Pete Carroll, but he's quickly proven himself.

MacDonald became the NFL's youngest head coach at the time, but has shown he can produce a dominant defense. 

According to ESPN, MacDonald signed a six-year deal in 2024, set to remain in Seattle through the 2030 season.

MORE: Ranking the best Seahawks players of all-time

16. Dan Quinn, Commanders

Amber Searls-Imagn Images

 

When Dan Quinn joined the Washington Commanders in 2024, he was already one of the most well-traveled, veteran coaches in the NFL. Having reached a Super Bowl with the Falcons, Washington brought in Quinn for his playoff pedigree.

That paid off in his first year, with Washington reaching the playoffs and the NFC Championship game for the first time in decades.  

ESPN reported that the length of Quinn's contract in Washington is "unknown," but likely goes through either the 2029 or 2030 season.

MORE: When was Washington's last Super Bowl win?

17. DeMeco Ryans, Texans

(Getty Images)

 

Also among the former-player-turned-coach group for his respective franchise, DeMeco Ryans has been leading the Texans since 2023.

In his first two seasons with Houston, the team has won the AFC South, becoming an increased threat in the conference with young quarterback C.J. Stroud.

According to Aaron Wilson, Ryans signed a six-year contract with the Texans in 2023, set to remain with the team through the 2029 season.

MORE: DeAndre Hopkins' full career timeline

18. Matt LaFleur, Packers

 

Matt LaFleur landed with one of the NFL's most historic franchises in 2019, signing a deal to become the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

From Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, LaFleur has kept Green Bay among the NFC's alphas year-in and year-out. 

In 2022, the Packers extended LaFleur's contract, and while the terms of that extension were not confirmed, the coach's deal reportedly runs through the 2026 season, per Pro Football Talk.

MORE: Why did Aaron Rodgers leave the Packers?

19. Zac Taylor, Bengals

 

Zac Taylor has been at the helm of one of the NFL's best offenses since 2019, when he joined the Cincinnati Bengals as their head coach.

With Joe Burrow as his quarterback through his entire tenure with the Bengals, Taylor has guided Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple division titles.

Taylor is under contract with Cincinnati through the 2026 season thanks to an extension he signed in 2022, the team announced.

MORE: Joe Flacco's full teams timeline

20. Raheem Morris, Falcons

 

In the 2024 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons had some buzz around whether they'd sign Bill Belichick, but they ultimately landed on Raheem Morris to lead their franchise.

Morris became a second-time head coach, having also led the Buccaneers earlier in his career.

Per Adam Schefter, Morris signed a five-year deal with the Falcons, keeping him in Atlanta through the 2029 season.

MORE: Is Michael Penix Jr. Left-handed?

T-21. Kevin Stefanski, Browns

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

 

The Cleveland Browns have been led by Kevin Stefanski since 2020, experiencing some high and low points under the head coach.

While Cleveland has made the playoffs twice under Stefanski, it's also finished last in the AFC North twice behind the offensive-minded coach. Stefanski has also taken home two Coach of the Year awards, in 2020 and 2023.

The Browns announced in June 2024 that they had signed Stefanski to an extension, but the length of the deal was not disclosed.

MORE: Revisiting Baker Mayfield's debut with Browns

T-21. Mike McDaniel, Dolphins

Mike McDaniel

 

Mike McDaniel initially inked a four-year deal to lead the Miami Dolphins in 2022, making for an intriguing coaching candidate with his offensive mind. 

In the years since, McDaniel has guided one of the speediest offenses in football, making the playoffs twice but still looking to break through with a deep run.

In 2024, the Dolphins signed McDaniel to an extension that would keep him in Miami through the 2028 season, Jeff Darlington reported. However, in 2025, Ian Rapoport reported that the Dolphins owed McDaniel $18 million over the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

MORE: Tua Tagovailoa's full injury history

Content Producer

News Correspondent