Who are the highest paid coaches in NBA? Breaking down the league's record-breaking deals

In the NBA, the average salary for players usually ranges from $10.45 million to $11.8 million per year (for the 2025/26 season). Compared to that, coaching salaries are generally lower, but still extremely impressive by global standards. Only a small number of elite coaches earn more than $10 million per year. In this article, BasketScores.com answers the question: Who are the highest-paid coaches in the NBA?

Who are the highest-paid coaches in the NBA?

The list below is ranked in descending order, from highest to lowest annual salary.

1. Steve Kerr ($17.5 million per year)

Steve Kerr is currently the highest-paid coach in NBA history based on average annual salary, earning $17.5 million per year. He signed a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors in February 2024, and the deal is expected to run until the summer of 2026. As of now, there is still uncertainty about whether he will agree to another extension.

During his time with the Warriors, Kerr has built one of the most dominant dynasties in modern NBA history. He led the team to four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. In addition, he guided Golden State to a historic 73–9 regular-season record in 2015/16, the best record ever recorded in the league.

Kerr’s coaching philosophy focuses on ball movement, spacing, and maximizing the shooting ability of players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. His system has influenced how many modern teams approach offensive basketball today.

2. Erik Spoelstra ($15 million per year)

Erik Spoelstra ranks second on this list with an annual salary of $15 million. In 2024, he signed an 8-year contract extension with the Miami Heat worth $120 million, making it the largest total-value coaching contract at the time.

Spoelstra is widely respected for his ability to develop talent, especially undrafted players. Under his leadership, the Miami Heat have consistently remained competitive, even without the most star-studded rosters. He led the team to the NBA Finals in both 2020 and 2023.

By 2024, Spoelstra had already completed 16 seasons as head coach of the Heat, making him one of the longest-serving coaches with a single franchise, second only to Gregg Popovich. His consistency, adaptability, and leadership have made him one of the most respected figures in the league.

3. Tyronn Lue ($14 million per year)

Tyronn Lue earns approximately $14 million per year after signing a five-year, $70 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024. The deal keeps him with the franchise through the 2028/29 season.

Lue is best known for his tactical flexibility and ability to make crucial in-game adjustments. He is not afraid to experiment with lineups or defensive schemes, especially during high-pressure playoff situations.

His most famous achievement came in 2016, when he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA championship after overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. This comeback remains one of the greatest moments in NBA history and cemented Lue’s reputation as a top-level coach.

4. Doc Rivers ($11.4 million per year)

Doc Rivers is currently earning around $11.4 million per year under his 3.5-year, $40 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite some speculation about his future, it appears likely that he will continue in his role, although there have been discussions about a possible transition into a front-office advisory position.

Rivers has had a long and successful coaching career, highlighted by winning the NBA championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. He is widely regarded as one of the Top 15 coaches in NBA history and ranks among the Top 10 in total wins, with nearly 1,100 victories as of April 2026.

One of Rivers’ greatest strengths is his communication ability. He has consistently managed to handle superstar personalities and maintain strong locker-room chemistry, working with players such as Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

5. Joe Mazzulla ($11 million per year)

Joe Mazzulla rounds out the list with an annual salary of $11 million. Despite being relatively young and inexperienced compared to others on this list, he has quickly established himself as one of the brightest coaching talents in the NBA. Mazzulla won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics before turning 40, a rare achievement that highlights his coaching ability. In 2025, he is expected to sign a contract extension that significantly increased his salary to its current level.

As of 2026, Mazzulla holds the highest winning percentage in NBA history among coaches who have managed at least 200 games, with an impressive 72%. This places him ahead of legendary figures such as Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.

In the 2025/26 season, he is considered a leading candidate for Coach of the Year, especially after successfully guiding the Celtics through a difficult period without their star player Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined with an Achilles injury.

BasketScores has answered the question: Who are the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, while also highlighting key achievements of each coach. If you want to stay updated with the latest NBA schedules and news, please visit our page.