TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – When NBA conversations turn to coaches, it’s no surprise that many highlight their immense talent and impact on player development. Not only are they experts at their craft, but some of the highest-paid NBA coaches also receive hefty paychecks that even rival those of the league’s players.
Exceeding US$8 million annually, NBA coaching salaries are a testament to the immense responsibility and expertise required to lead teams at the highest level.
Sportico has published its report on the highest-paid NBA coaches, and Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr leads the pack, with a staggering US$17.5 million for his average annual salary. Other top earners among NBA coaches include:
Not only is Steve Kerr the NBA’s most valuable player at US$9.14 billion, he also takes the crown among the highest-paid NBA coaches. Hired in 2014, his remarkable leadership has sent the Golden State Warriors to the brightest triumph of dominance, achieving four titles and six NBA Finals appearances in eight years.
A basketball legend, Gregg Popovich is recognized as the longest-tenured active coach in all U.S. major sports leagues. His profound impact on the game reached a historic milestone on April 13, 2019, when he became the NBA’s all-time leader in career wins with a total of 1,431. Popovich has been at the helm of the San Antonio Spurs for nearly 30 years now.
Entering his 16th season as head coach of the Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra has solidified his reputation as the mastermind behind the team’s success. Since Spoelstra took over on April 28, 2008, the HEAT have recorded the third-highest regular season winning percentage and fourth-highest postseason winning percentage, according to NBA.com.
On October 20, 2020, Tyronn Lue was named the 26th head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. Lue’s remarkable impact was evident even during his debut season, where he guided the team to their first Western Conference Finals. Today, Lue has risen to prominence, marking his name as one of the highest-paid NBA coaches.
As the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, Michael Malone has been the driving force behind their victories since 2015. Under his leadership, the Nuggets have achieved a long list of milestones, including winning the 2023 NBA title and securing the 2nd seed in the Western Conference during the 2018-2019 NBA season.
Doc Rivers has coached some of the NBA’s most successful teams over the years, from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. With a career full of accomplishments, including an NBA championship with Boston in 2008, Rivers has now cemented his reputation as one of the NBA’s highest-paid coaches.
Known for his gritty, defensive-minded coaching, Tom Thibodeau has left his mark on every team he’s coached, including the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks. For his brilliance, he earned the prestigious Coach of the Year award twice.
Guiding the Phoenix Suns since 2024, he replaced Frank Vogel, who was fired after one season. Mike Budenholzer is perhaps best known for his time coaching the Milwaukee Bucks, where he led the team to an NBA championship in 2021.
Rick Carlisle’s coaching career spans decades, and he has been at the helm of the Indiana Pacers since 2008. His achievements are nothing short of impressive. Carlisle also cemented his place as one of 14 individuals to win an NBA championship as both a player and a head coach.
A former NBA superstar, Jason Kidd is the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and has firmly secured his place among the NBA’s highest-paid coaches. Over the course of his career, Kidd has led four teams, including the Lakers, Bucks, and Nets.
The leadership of these NBA coaches affects everything from game strategy to team culture and, ultimately, the bottom line. If you’re inspired to explore further, be sure to check out the highest-paid NBA players here.
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