NBA coaching salaries have hit insane levels. Teams are shelling out millions for leadership that delivers results. Why? A great coach can differentiate between a championship and an early playoff exit.
NBA’s Highest-Paid Coaches of 2025
Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors) – $17.5 million
Steve Kerr? Still the king. His $17.5 million salary tops the charts. Four championships. Six Finals appearances in eight years. Legendary leadership. The Warriors extended his contract in 2024, ensuring their dynasty architect sticks around.
Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) – $17 million
Pop is basketball royalty. Coaching the Spurs since 1996. Five championships. Most wins in NBA history. Despite health challenges, he remains a master of the game. His latest extension keeps him earning $17 million per year.
Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) – $15 million
From video coordinator to coaching icon. Spoelstra’s 8-year, $120 million deal signed in 2024 shattered records. It’s the biggest coaching contract in North American sports history. Why? Consistency, player development, and two NBA titles.
Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers) – $15 million
Remember the Cavaliers’ epic 2016 comeback? That was Lue at the helm. Now with the Clippers, his $75 million deal proves he’s still elite.
Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets) – $12 million
Championships pay. After leaving Denver to their first NBA title in 2023, Malone scored a $12 million payday. His leadership and player rapport keep the Nuggets contenders.
Doc Rivers (Milwaukee Bucks) – $11 million
Over 26 seasons of experience. One championship. A coaching legend. Rivers’ $11 million contract with the Bucks reflects his career longevity and success.
Tom Thibodeau (New York Knicks) – $11 million
The defense wins games. Thibodeau’s defensive strategies transformed the Knicks. His three-year extension keeps him earning $11 million annually.
Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns) – $10 million
A former Spurs assistant turned champion with the Bucks in 2021. Now coaching the Suns, his $10 million paycheck speaks volumes.
Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers) – $9 million
Carlisle, who led the Mavericks to a title in 2011, continues his success with the Pacers. His $9 million deal rewards his coaching consistency.
Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks) – $8.5 million
Hall of Famer turned elite coach. Kidd guided Dallas to the 2024 Western Conference Finals, earning a contract extension worth $8.5 million.
Nick Nurse (Philadelphia 76ers) – $8.5 million
The mastermind behind the Raptors’ 2019 title. Nurse’s tactical genius keeps him among the highest-paid at $8.5 million.
Why Are NBA Coaches Paid So Much?
NBA owners know a great coach is a game-changer. Consider it this way:
- A superstar might elevate a team, but without leadership, talent often falls flat.
- Coaches transform culture. Fast.
- Results? Championships, ticket sales, and billion-dollar valuations.
With contracts guaranteed, coaching isn’t just prestigious—it’s incredibly lucrative. And the trend? Bigger paychecks ahead as competition for top coaching minds grows fiercer.
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