The world of professional basketball isn’t just about player contracts anymore. Head coaches now play a major role in shaping franchises and influencing player success. The NBA coach salary rankings for 2025–2026 reveal just how valuable great leadership has become in today’s game.
With record-breaking TV deals, soaring ticket sales, and global audiences, NBA franchises are paying top dollar to secure the best minds in basketball. Each coach on this list brings something different to the table: championship experience, elite player management, and proven results.
Here’s a full look at the top 10 highest-paid NBA coaches for the 2025–2026 season, starting from number 10 and counting up to number 1.
10. Quin Snyder – Atlanta Hawks
Estimated Salary: $8 million per year
Quin Snyder’s coaching style has always emphasized precision and offensive creativity. After building a strong reputation with the Utah Jazz, Snyder joined the Atlanta Hawks to guide a talented but inconsistent team led by Trae Young. His analytical approach and focus on shot efficiency have helped reshape Atlanta’s system.
Snyder’s NBA coach salary of $8 million reflects both his experience and his ability to balance young talent with veteran leadership. The Hawks see him as the stabilizing force needed to turn their potential into postseason success. His ability to develop guards and manage egos makes him a critical piece in Atlanta’s long-term vision.
9. JJ Redick – Los Angeles Lakers
Estimated Salary: $8 million per year
A newcomer to the coaching ranks, JJ Redick brings a modern and player-driven approach to the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his sharp basketball mind during his playing days, Redick transitioned quickly into coaching after a successful media career. His communication skills and deep understanding of offensive spacing made him an appealing choice for a Lakers team looking for innovation.
Redick’s NBA coach salary of $8 million places him immediately among elite company, showing how much confidence the Lakers have in his leadership. The franchise believes his forward-thinking strategies will connect well with the current generation of players and help maximize the final competitive years of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
8. Jason Kidd – Dallas Mavericks
Estimated Salary: $8.5 million per year
Jason Kidd’s journey from Hall of Fame player to head coach has been filled with lessons and evolution. After earlier stints in Milwaukee and Brooklyn, he returned to the Dallas Mavericks, the team he once led to a championship as a player. Kidd’s emphasis on teamwork and transition play has helped mold Luka Dončić into one of the league’s brightest stars.
Kidd’s NBA coach salary of $8.5 million rewards his leadership and ability to build strong relationships with superstars. He brings credibility as a former player and championship experience that keeps Dallas in playoff contention every season.
7. Nick Nurse – Philadelphia 76ers
Estimated Salary: $8.5 million per year
Nick Nurse made his mark by leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019. His creative defensive tactics and fearless rotations earned him respect throughout the league. Now at the helm of the Philadelphia 76ers, Nurse is tasked with maximizing the prime years of Joel Embiid and guiding the team through the always-competitive Eastern Conference.
At $8.5 million annually, Nurse’s NBA coach salary mirrors the pressure and expectations that come with coaching a championship contender. His reputation for innovative strategies and adaptability makes him one of the league’s most forward-thinking minds.
6. Rick Carlisle – Indiana Pacers
Estimated Salary: $9 million per year
Rick Carlisle has been one of basketball’s most consistent coaching figures for over two decades. A championship winner with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, Carlisle now leads the Indiana Pacers with a renewed focus on development and balanced offense. His teams are known for disciplined play and strong fundamentals.
Carlisle’s NBA coach salary of $9 million reflects his veteran presence and proven track record. The Pacers trust him to guide their young core toward long-term playoff success while maintaining the competitive culture he’s known for. Few coaches in the league match his tactical precision and player development expertise.
5. Doc Rivers – Milwaukee Bucks
Estimated Salary: $11 million per year
Doc Rivers has built an impressive career managing championship rosters and strong personalities. After leading the Boston Celtics to a title in 2008, he continued his success in Los Angeles before joining the Milwaukee Bucks. Tasked with keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s partnership strong, Rivers provides veteran leadership and a calming presence in a high-expectation environment.
Rivers earns about $11 million per season, a reflection of both his resume and the challenges that come with coaching a title contender. His long-standing reputation for motivating players and managing pressure keeps his NBA coach salary among the highest in the league.
4. Tom Thibodeau – New York Knicks
Estimated Salary: $11 million per year
Tom Thibodeau has brought defensive intensity and structure back to New York basketball. Known for his relentless work ethic and attention to detail, Thibodeau transformed the Knicks into a legitimate playoff team after years of inconsistency. His teams are always among the league’s best in defense and effort.
Thibodeau’s NBA coach salary of $11 million matches the expectations of one of basketball’s most demanding markets. The Knicks rely on him to maintain toughness and discipline while managing the pressures of Madison Square Garden. His no-nonsense approach has made him one of the league’s most respected coaches.
3. Tyronn Lue – Los Angeles Clippers
Estimated Salary: $15 million per year
Tyronn Lue has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the NBA. Since his 2016 championship with Cleveland, Lue has been recognized for his strategic mind, calm leadership, and ability to adjust in high-pressure situations. With the Clippers, he manages an all-star roster while keeping the team focused through injuries and media scrutiny.
His $15 million salary reflects how valuable his experience is in a city that expects championships. Lue’s ability to connect with players and make real-time tactical decisions sets him apart. His steady influence keeps him near the top of the NBA coach salary hierarchy.
2. Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat
Estimated Salary: $15 million per year
Erik Spoelstra’s rise from video coordinator to two-time NBA champion is one of the league’s best success stories. Over more than a decade, he has turned the Miami Heat into a model of culture, toughness, and consistency. Spoelstra’s teams are known for defense, adaptability, and maximizing talent—no matter the roster.
Earning $15 million annually, Spoelstra’s NBA coach salary reflects both loyalty and results. Few coaches can match his ability to evolve with the game, manage egos, and lead deep playoff runs. The Heat see him as the long-term architect of their identity and reward him accordingly.
1. Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors
Estimated Salary: $17.5 million per year
At the top of the list sits Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Since taking over in 2014, Kerr has led his team to four championships and revolutionized basketball through pace, spacing, and unselfish play. His leadership has kept the Warriors competitive through roster changes and injuries.
With an NBA coach salary of $17.5 million, Kerr stands as the highest-paid coach in the league’s history. His success is not only measured in titles but also in culture. The Warriors’ dynasty was built on Kerr’s trust-based philosophy and ability to keep superstars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green engaged season after season.
Kerr’s salary reflects more than just wins; it demonstrates the blueprint of modern basketball. His adaptability and understanding of the evolving game have made him a model for coaching excellence.
How the NBA Coach Salary Structure Works
Base Pay
The base salary is the guaranteed portion of a coach’s contract. It’s negotiated based on experience, championship history, and market demand. A typical deal lasts between three and five years, offering long-term security and flexibility for both coach and franchise.
Playoff Bonuses
Most contracts include postseason incentives. Coaches earn additional money when their teams make the playoffs, win a round, or reach the Finals. These bonuses can total hundreds of thousands of dollars, rewarding performance beyond the regular season.
Championship Incentives
Winning an NBA title brings massive rewards. Coaches can receive lump-sum bonuses, luxury perks, or automatic contract escalators. Some deals include extensions triggered by championships, adding extra years and salary increases.
Market Influence
Teams in larger markets like Los Angeles and New York often pay more to attract proven winners. Revenue from sponsorships and media coverage allows these franchises to offer higher NBA coach salary figures than smaller-market teams.
Experience and Tenure
Veteran coaches who deliver consistent results typically negotiate higher salaries and longer terms. Coaches like Spoelstra, Rivers, and Thibodeau demonstrate that success over time leads to major pay raises.
Support Staff Bonuses
Top franchises also extend success incentives to assistant coaches and staff. When the head coach earns a playoff or championship bonus, part of that success is often shared among the supporting team.
Why NBA Coach Salaries Keep Rising
The average NBA coach salary has steadily increased over the past decade because the value of leadership is clearer than ever. A great coach can elevate players, stabilize locker rooms, and create sustainable success.
With the league’s revenue exceeding $10 billion annually, investing in leadership is no longer optional—it’s strategic. As franchises recognize that coaching directly affects winning and player development, salaries continue to grow.
The 2025–2026 NBA coach salary rankings prove that elite leadership in basketball now earns compensation rivaling top executives in business. From proven veterans like Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra to new faces like JJ Redick, this list reflects a mix of innovation, experience, and adaptability.
Each of these ten coaches plays a vital role in shaping their team’s future, culture, and performance. As the league evolves, the value of leadership will only continue to rise, ensuring that the sidelines remain as important as the stars on the court.
