The 20 Highest Paid Coaches in the World: From Least to Most
Salaries in the world of sports are constantly growing, and when it comes to coaches, there are large sums at stake. From football’s star guests to NFL’s tactical masters – here is the list of the 20 highest-paid coaches globally. Who tops the list, and who is just behind? Keep reading to find out which coaches are at the top of the salary charts and what their contracts mean for their success on the field.
20. Unai Emery (Football – Aston Villa) – $10.7 million per year
With an annual salary of around $10.7 million, Unai Emery takes the 20th spot. The Spanish manager of Aston Villa has won the Europa League multiple times (with Sevilla and Villarreal) and was brought to the Premier League at the end of 2022. Aston Villa has made Emery one of the highest-paid coaches in England outside of the “top clubs,” reflecting the club’s ambitions under his leadership.
19. Carlo Ancelotti (Football – Real Madrid) – $10.7 million per year
Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, earns an annual salary of around $10.7 million. Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches in football history – the only one to have won the Champions League four times as a coach – and Real Madrid compensates him accordingly. (It is also expected that Ancelotti will take over as Brazil’s national team coach after the season, which could change his pay package going forward, but as of May 2025, he is still at Real Madrid.)
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18. Jorge Jesus (Football – Al-Hilal) – $11.1 million per year
The experienced Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus earns around $11.1 million annually as the head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Jesus, who has previously been successful with clubs such as Benfica and Flamengo, was brought back to Al-Hilal in 2023 (his second spell at the club) as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football investment. His salary places him among the highest-paid globally.
17. Dabo Swinney (American Football – Clemson Tigers, NCAA) – $11.1 million per year
Dabo Swinney, head coach of Clemson University’s Tigers (college football), earns around $11.1 million annually in 2024. Swinney has led Clemson to two national championships and built a dynasty in college football, which is reflected in his high salary. Clemson has committed to a long-term deal with Swinney, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in the US.
16. José Mourinho (Football – Fenerbahçe) – $11.9 million per year
Portuguese star coach José Mourinho earns around $11.9 million annually as the head of Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Mourinho, who has won the Champions League and titles in multiple countries, moved to Turkey at the end of 2024 after his time at AS Roma. Fenerbahçe made Mourinho one of the highest-paid coaches globally to bring international experience and a trophy-winning mentality to the club.
15. Matthias Jaissle (Football – Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia) – $12.4 million per year
Matthias Jaissle, with an annual salary of about $12.4 million, is another example of the high coaching salaries in the Middle Eastern football boom. The young German coach left Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 to join Saudi Arabian Al Ahli on a contract that places him alongside Luis Enrique in terms of pay. Jaissle’s attractive deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s push to attract top international football expertise.
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14. Luis Enrique (Football – Paris Saint-Germain) – $12.4 million per year
Spanish coach Luis Enrique, currently manager of Paris Saint-Germain, earns around $12.4 million annually. Enrique, who has previously managed FC Barcelona (where he won the Champions League) and the Spain national team, was brought to PSG in 2023. His salary package reflects the expectations of European success for the French giant.
13. Monty Williams (Basketball – Detroit Pistons) – $13.0 million per year
Monty Williams takes the 13th spot with an annual salary of about $13.0 million as the head coach of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. Williams secured a six-year deal worth $78.5 million in 2023 after his successful tenure with the Phoenix Suns. The contract – over $13 million per year – made him briefly the highest-paid coach in NBA history until Popovich’s new deal the following month. Williams’ salary is surpassed only by a few coaches outside the NBA.
12. Kirby Smart (American Football – Georgia Bulldogs, NCAA) – $13.3 million per year
Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs (college football), is the highest-paid coach in the college ranks. In 2024, he earns around $13.28 million, the highest ever for a college coach. Smart has won two national championships (2021 and 2022) with Georgia and built a powerhouse program, which Georgia rewards with a top-tier contract.
11. Sean McVay (American Football – Los Angeles Rams) – $15.0 million per year
Los Angeles Rams’ young star coach Sean McVay earns around $15.0 million annually. McVay famously led the Rams to a Super Bowl win in 2022, and his recent contract extension (signed in 2022 and lasting until 2026) places him solidly among the highest-paid in the NFL.
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10. Jim Harbaugh (American Football – Los Angeles Chargers) – $16.0 million per year
Tied with Mike Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh made his NFL comeback in 2024 as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh signed a five-year deal worth around $16.0 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the league, despite not having won a Super Bowl (yet). Harbaugh’s history of turning teams around (from 49ers to Super Bowl and now Chargers to a playoff team) has justified his salary.
9. Mike Tomlin (American Football – Pittsburgh Steelers) – $16.0 million per year
Mike Tomlin, the longtime head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, earns about $16.0 million annually. Tomlin, who has been with the Steelers since 2007 and has never had a losing season, received a contract extension through 2027 in 2024. His consistent success – including a Super Bowl win – places him among the highest-paid in the NFL.
8. Gregg Popovich (Basketball – San Antonio Spurs) – ~ $16.0 million per year
Gregg Popovich, legendary head coach of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, is the highest-paid basketball coach. In July 2023, Popovich signed a five-year extension worth over $80 million, which is approximately $16 million per year. This deal made him again the highest-paid coach in the NBA – a level reached by few coaches outside of football and the NFL.
7. David Moyes (Football – Everton FC) – $16.2 million per year
Everton’s head coach David Moyes is surprisingly among the highest-paid with about $16.2 million annually. The experienced Scottish manager returned to Everton in 2024 and has turned the club’s form around, triggering a lucrative contract. Moyes’ salary position underscores the Premier League’s financial strength, even for clubs outside the top-6.
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6. Sean Payton (American Football – Denver Broncos) – $18.0 million per year
Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton follows closely behind. Payton earns around $18.0 million annually on the five-year deal he signed when coming out of his brief retirement to coach the Broncos in 2023. The Super Bowl-winning coach has already brought the Broncos back into the playoffs in 2024, showing the value of his high salary.
5. Andy Reid (American Football – Kansas City Chiefs) – $20.0 million per year
Andy Reid, head coach of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, is the highest-paid coach in American football and rounds out the top 5 globally with around $20.0 million annually. Reid signed a five-year contract extension worth $100 million in 2024 after winning his third Super Bowl title with the Chiefs. This contract also makes him the highest-paid coach in North American leagues.
4. Stefano Pioli (Football – Al Nassr) – $20.0 million per year
In fourth place is Stefano Pioli, who has been the head coach at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr since the summer of 2024. Pioli earns around $20.0 million annually – a significant salary increase from his previous job at AC Milan. The Italian coach was brought to Al Nassr after leading AC Milan to the club’s first Serie A title in 11 years (2021-22).
3. Mikel Arteta (Football – Arsenal FC) – $20.2 million per year
Mikel Arteta, head coach of Arsenal, takes third place with an annual salary of around $20.2 million. Arteta, who started his coaching career as an assistant under Guardiola, has led Arsenal since 2019 and brought the club back into the title race in the Premier League. His contract rewards that progress, including an FA Cup victory in 2020.
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2. Pep Guardiola (Football – Manchester City) – $26.8 million per year
The second-highest-paid coach is Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City. His annual salary is around $26.8 million. Guardiola is one of the most successful football coaches in history, with 39 trophies across FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Man City, which is reflected in his high compensation.
1. Diego Simeone (Football – Atlético de Madrid) – $33.5 million per year
Atlético Madrid’s long-time coach Diego Simeone tops the list as the highest-paid football coach – and coach overall – in the world. The Argentine coach earns around $33.5 million annually from Atlético. Simeone has been at the helm of Atlético since 2011 and has won numerous titles with the club, which has secured him a record-high contract.
