Here’s How Much NFL Coaches Actually Earn

We all know the kind of colossal figures that those NFL stars on the football field earn for throwing, catching, or running with a ball. But what about the people on the sidelines calling the shots? Well, even in 2022, this kind of sensitive information isn't always disclosed to the public. Plus, there's the added wrinkle that most coaches don't get to see out their full contracts... But here’s a look at what we do know about the highest-paid coaches in the current era.

20. The Unknowns

Let's get this out of the way first. Here is a list of the coaches who have not yet released their salary information:


- Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans

- Brian Daboll of the New York Giants

- Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears

- Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings

- Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins

- Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders

- Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars

- Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints

- Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

- Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons

- Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions

- Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers

- Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans

19. Kevin Stefanski — $3.5 million

Some experts consider Kevin Stefanski’s $3.5 million annual salary to be relatively low given what he’s achieved. The coach steered the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff in 18 years in 2020. That same season he was also awarded the AP Coach of the Year. But Stefanski’s pay packet could bulge when extension talks come into play — despite a disappointing 2021 season.

18. Nathaniel Hackett — $4 million

Nathaniel Hackett spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, and in 2022 joined the Denver Broncos as head coach. He's got a good team, with QB Russell Wilson hopefully guiding the way. Hackett's 2022 season got off to a rocky start, though, with many blasting his clock management in a losing game against the Seattle Seahawks.

17. Mike McCarthy — $4 million

You’d expect a coach who guided the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV triumph and ten playoff victories to be a little higher up this list. Still, $4 million per annum will put plenty of bread on the table. After a 13-season stint with the Packers, McCarthy was tapped up in 2020 by the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys ended 2021 with an impressive 12-5.