Top 10 Highest-Paid NBA Head Coaches Revealed

Warriors' Steve Kerr and Lakers' JJ Redick among the league's highest earners

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:20am

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The NBA is generating approximately $14 billion annually, and it appears that NBA coaches are also receiving generous salaries. This article reveals the top 10 highest-paid NBA head coaches, with Warriors coach Steve Kerr topping the list at $17.5 million per year. Other notable coaches include Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers, and JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why it matters

The salaries of NBA coaches reflect the high-stakes nature of the league and the immense value placed on experienced, successful leaders. These top-earning coaches have proven track records of guiding their teams to championships and playoff success, making them some of the most valuable assets in the NBA.

The details

The top 10 highest-paid NBA head coaches and their estimated annual salaries are: 1) Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors ($17.5 million); 2T) Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat ($15 million); 2T) Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers ($15 million); 4T) Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks ($11 million); 4T) Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks ($11 million); 6) Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers ($9 million); 7T) Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers ($8.5 million); 7T) Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks ($8.5 million); 9T) JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers ($8 million); 9T) Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks ($8 million).

  • The salaries listed are for the 2026 NBA season.

The players

Steve Kerr

Head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who has led the team to four championship victories.

Erik Spoelstra

Head coach of the Miami Heat, who has led the team to the NBA Finals multiple times.

Tyronn Lue

Head coach of the LA Clippers, who previously helped lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA championship in 2016.

Doc Rivers

Head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

JJ Redick

Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who is the newest coach on the list but led the team to 50 wins in his rookie season.

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The takeaway

The salaries of these top NBA coaches reflect the immense value placed on experienced, successful leaders in the league. These coaches have proven track records of guiding their teams to championships and playoff success, making them some of the most valuable assets in the NBA.