CHICAGO, Illinois — As NFL teams rework their coaching staff for the 2024-25 season, many are asking: What truly makes a good head coach in the league? The answer is crucial as franchises seek to either invest wisely or cut losses.
Like players, coaches’ contracts can be complicated, often including performance bonuses and guarantees. While players face collective bargaining agreements affecting the salary cap, coaches generally operate outside these rules. This means teams are financially committed to a coach’s contract regardless of their performance, a reality that can add pressure on organizations.
This year alone, notable firings include Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears, Mike McCarthy from the Dallas Cowboys, and Doug Pederson with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As teams strategize to improve, new hirings are also occurring, with the Bears appointing Ben Johnson, the Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer, and the Jaguars bringing in Liam Coen.
Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are finalizing a deal for Johnson, adding an exciting chapter to his coaching career after his time with the Lions.
Yet, the coach’s pay varies widely within the league. Currently, Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs stands as the highest-paid coach, boasting a lucrative $20 million annual salary, a result of his significant contributions to his teams, including leading the Chiefs to three Super Bowl wins.
Reid’s contract extension in April 2024 further solidified his position, following a successful stint that included overcoming past playoff failures while coaching the Philadelphia Eagles. His leadership has turned him into an asset, reflecting the fine balance between investment and success in the coaching world.
Coaching salaries reveal disparities across the league, with some coaches earning significantly lower than their peers. For instance, NFL sources indicate that coaches like Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers make around $5 million, while Zac Taylor from the Cincinnati Bengals earns about $4.5 million. These figures put them markedly below Reid’s paycheck.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts are keenly watching which coaches might be under pressure if their teams do not perform well in the upcoming season. Names floating with this concern include Mike Tomlin, Kyle Shanahan, and Zac Taylor, as scrutiny intensifies around their respective franchises.
As coaching changes ripple through the NFL, the financial stakes continue to rise, making each decision pivotal for team success and longevity.
