The NFL second coach world just got a great payday shake-up. Dave Toub pulls in $2.2 million yearly just for special teams. That’s more than most CEOs earn.
Welcome to the angry world of coaching pay in America’s most helpful sports league. These aren’t your grandfather’s clipboard-carrying second anymore. Today’s coaching staff members order seven-figure arrangements that rival Fortune 500 chiefs .
This comprehensive failure gives out just how much every place earns. From entry-level grade control coach roles to elite watchful coordinator positions, we’ll show the real numbers after the NFL’s coaching gold speed.
NFL Assistant Coach Salary List 2025
The NFL assistant coach salary landscape transformed dramatically in recent years. Television deals worth billions now trickle down to every coaching position. Teams invest heavily in coaching talent because they understand a simple truth: great coaches win championships.
Coaching compensation packages now include base salaries, showing bonuses, and championship incentives. The average assistant coaching positions salary jumped 40% since 2020. That’s unprecedented growth in professional sports.
Consider this striking comparison. In 2015, top coordinators earned around $800,000. Today’s elite defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator roles command $3 million or more. That’s nearly 400% growth in just ten years.
The coaching staff hierarchy determines everything. Assistant head coach positions sit at the top, followed by coordinators, then position coaches. Entry-level roles like quality control coach start the ladder, but even these positions now offer substantial NFL wages.
Top Individual Salaries
Chip Kelly absolutely shattered assistant coach salary records with his Las Vegas Raiders contract. His $6 million annual deal as offensive coordinator exceeds many head coach salaries from just five years ago.
Todd Bowles earns $4.5 million directing Tampa Bay’s defense. His defensive coordinator role showcases how championship experience translates to premium coaching compensation. Bowles previously served as a head coach, adding significant value to his resume.
Here are the top earners transforming the pay scale landscape:
- Chip Kelly (Raiders Offensive Coordinator): $6.0 million
- Todd Bowles (Buccaneers Defensive coordinator): $4.5 million
- Anthony Weaver (Dolphins Defense strategist): $2.8 million
- Joe Judge (Patriots Assistant head coach): $2.5 million
- Dave Toub (Chiefs Special teams coordinator): $2.2 million
These football coach salaries represent the new normal. Teams recognize that innovative coordinators directly impact championship potential. The gridiron success formula requires elite strategic minds worth premium investments.
Salary Ranges by Position
NFL assistant coach positions create a clear hierarchy with corresponding earnings levels. Each role requires specific expertise that teams value differently. Understanding these salary ranges helps explain the industry’s compensation structure.
| Position | Salary Range | Average Salary |
| Offensive Coordinator (Elite) | $2.5M – $6.0M | $3.2M |
| Defensive Coordinator (Top-tier) | $2.0M – $4.5M | $2.8M |
| Assistant Head Coach | $2.0M – $3.5M | $2.6M |
| Special Teams Coordinator | $800K – $2.2M | $1.4M |
| Offensive/Defensive Line Coaches | $800K – $1.2M | $1.0M |
| Quarterback Coaches | $600K – $1.0M | $800K |
| Secondary Coaches | $500K – $900K | $700K |
| Quality Control Coach | $150K – $300K | $225K |
The pay rates reflect responsibility levels and market demand. Coordinator roles command premium coaching salaries because they design entire game strategies. Position coaches focus on player development within specific units.
Salary breakdown analysis reveals interesting patterns. Teams invest most heavily in coordinators who can transform entire units. The NFL staff compensation model rewards strategic thinking and leadership capabilities above all else.
Salary Insights
Assistant coach salary growth outpaced inflation by 300% over the past decade. This explosion reflects the NFL’s revenue boom and teams’ recognition of coaching value. Coaching compensation now represents a significant portion of organizational budgets.
Key metrics revealing the salary insights landscape:
- Average NFL assistant coach salary: $650,000
- Minimum for top coordinators: $1.5 million
- Highest paid assistant: $6.0 million (Chip Kelly)
- Entry-level coaching positions: $150,000+
Performance bonuses significantly boost base NFL wages. Playoff appearances trigger additional payments. Super Bowl victories often double annual earnings. Championship success creates tremendous salary negotiation leverage for future contracts.
The coaching staff market operates on supply and demand principles. Elite coordinators with proven track records create bidding wars between teams. NFL team organizations compete aggressively for championship-caliber coaching talent.
How Much Do NFL Assistant Coaches Get Paid?
NFL assistant coach compensation varies dramatically based on experience, position, and team success. The coaching staff hierarchy creates clear pay scale structures that reward expertise and results.
Entry-level quality control coach positions typically start around $200,000 annually. These roles involve extensive film study, opponent analysis, and administrative duties. Recent college graduates often begin here, learning professional football’s intricate systems.
Position coaches earn $400,000-800,000 depending on experience and specialization. These football coach professionals focus on specific player groups like wide receivers or linebackers. Their expertise directly impacts player development and on-field performance.
Coordinator role positions represent the highest-paid assistant coaching positions. Salary breakdown for these strategic masterminds ranges from $1.5-6 million yearly. They design comprehensive game plans while managing entire units.
NFL Assistant Coach Salary Breakdown by Position:
Understanding coaching compensation requires examining each role’s specific responsibilities and market value:
Quality Control Coach ($200K-$350K):
- Film study and opponent analysis
- Data analysis coach responsibilities
- Administrative support for coordinators
- Entry point for coaching careers
Position Coaches ($400K-$800K):
- Player development and skill training
- Skill training implementation
- Position-specific strategy development
- Direct player mentoring
Coordinators ($1.5M-$6M):
- Unit strategy and game planner duties
- Play caller responsibilities during games
- Staff hierarchy management
- Championship-level strategic thinking
Assistant Head Coach ($2M-$3.5M):
- Head coach support and administrative duties
- Coaching liaison between staff levels
- Organizational culture development
- Strategic counsel to head coaches
Is an Assistant Coach the Same as a Coordinator?
Many fans confuse assistant coach roles with coordinator role positions. These represent distinctly different functions within NFL team organizations. The confusion often leads to misconceptions about coaching staff structure and corresponding pay rates.
Coordinators oversee entire units offense, defense, or special teams. They develop comprehensive game strategies, manage multiple position coaches, and directly communicate with head coaches during games. These NFL staff roles require extensive experience and proven success records.
Assistant coaches typically report to coordinators while focusing on specific responsibilities. Position coaches work with individual player groups, developing skills and implementing coordinator-designed strategies. Quality control coach positions analyze opponent tendencies and assist with game preparation.
The salary ranges reflect these responsibility differences significantly. Coordinator role positions command $1.5-6 million annually, while most assistant coaching positions earn $200K-800K. This coaching compensation gap reflects the strategic importance of unit leadership.
Key Differences Between Assistant Coaches and Coordinators:
Coordinators:
- Design overall unit strategy and game planner systems
- Manage multiple assistant coach staff members
- Play caller responsibilities during live games
- Earn significantly higher coaching salaries ($1.5M-$6M)
- Often considered head coaching candidates
Assistant Coaches:
- Focus on specific position groups or specialized duties
- Implement coordinator-designed strategic systems
- Provide specialized expertise in player development
- Earn moderate NFL wages ($200K-$800K)
- Support coordinator role decision-making processes
Assistant head coach positions occupy unique spots in the staff hierarchy. They bridge gaps between head coaches and coordinators while handling administrative duties. These roles command premium coaching compensation due to their broad organizational responsibilities.
Highest Paid NFL Assistant Head Coach Salary List (2024)
Elite coordinators earn coaching compensation rivaling many head coach contracts. These strategic masterminds command respect throughout professional football. Their innovative schemes and player development success justify premium pay rates.
Anthony Weaver Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
Anthony Weaver currently ranks among the highest-paid defensive coordinator professionals in the NFL. His Miami contract reportedly pays $2.8 million annually through the 2026 season. This assistant coach salary reflects his proven ability to transform defensive units.
Weaver’s expertise stems from extensive playing and coaching experience. As a former NFL defensive end, he understands player perspectives while implementing sophisticated schemes. His Houston Texans tenure showcased innovative defense strategist concepts that attracted Miami’s significant investment.
Key career highlights:
- Former Houston Texans defensive coordinator (2020-2021)
- Baltimore Ravens assistant coaching positions experience
- Improved Miami’s defensive rankings significantly
- Specializes in pass rush player development
The defense strategist earned his hefty contract through measurable results. Miami’s defensive transformation under Weaver’s guidance justified the organization’s financial commitment. His ability to develop young talent while implementing complex schemes makes him invaluable to the coaching staff.
Joe Judge – New England Patriots Offensive Assistant
Joe Judge commands approximately $2.5 million per season as New England’s offensive coordinator assistant. His previous head coaching experience with the New York Giants elevates his market value very much within the coaching salaries industry.
Judge’s diverse background spans special teams coordinator work, wide receivers coaching, and head coaching responsibilities. This versatility makes him an exceptional coaching talent asset for any NFL staff. His Belichick connection enhances his reputation throughout professional football circles.
Career accomplishments:
- Former New York Giants head coach (2020-2021)
- Multiple Super Bowl championships as Patriots assistant coach
- Extensive special teams strategist expertise
- Player development specialist with proven track record
The offensive coordinator assistant brings championship-level experience to his current role. His understanding of organizational culture and winning standards justifies his substantial coaching compensation. Teams highly value coaches with head coaching experience, even after challenging tenures.
Dave Toub – Kansas City Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator
Dave Toub shows the special teams coordinator gold standard, earning $2.2 million guaranteed annually. His decade-plus tenure with Kansas City coincides with the organization’s championship success, making him absolutely indispensable to their coaching staff.
Toub’s special teams units consistently rank among the NFL team elite performers. His innovative schemes and attention to detail create measurable advantages in field position battles. The team’s coach has received multiple Coach of the Year awards for his exceptional work.
Notable achievements:
- Two Super Bowl championships with Kansas City
- Multiple special teams rankings in top five nationally
- Innovative return game strategies and game planner systems
- Excellent player development record with specialists
Championship-level production justifies Toub’s instalment coaching compensation. Special teams strategist impact often determines close games, making elite coordinators valuable organizational investments. His analytics-driven approach perfectly aligns with modern gridiron trends.
College Football Assistant Coach Salaries
University football presents different coaching compensation structures compared to professional leagues. NCAA football operates under academic year contracts with additional considerations for recruiting responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Power Five conferences offer the most competitive assistant coach salary packages in collegiate level athletics. These elite leagues compete directly with lower-tier professional opportunities, creating interesting career decisions for ambitious football coach professionals.
Top-tier college league programs invest heavily in coaching talent, recognizing its direct correlation with recruiting success and on-field performance. Championship contenders often match or exceed smaller market NFL team coaching budgets for premium coordinators.
College Football Assistant Coach Salary Ranges:
| Conference Level | Coordinator Role Salary | Position Coach Salary | Quality Control Coach Salary |
| Power Five | $500K-$1.5M | $200K-$600K | $75K-$150K |
| Group of Five | $200K-$500K | $100K-$300K | $50K-$100K |
| FCS Programs | $75K-$200K | $40K-$120K | $30K-$75K |
| Division II/III | $30K-$100K | $25K-$60K | $20K-$45K |
How Much Do College Football Assistant Coaches Make?
Collegiate level coaching salaries depend heavily on program prestige, meeting affiliation, and geographic location. Major academic football leagues offer coaching compensation packages approaching professional levels.
Offensive coordinator positions at championship-contending programs earn $800,000-1.5 million annually. These roles require extensive recruiting responsibilities alongside strategic planning duties. Success in college football depends equally on player development and talent acquisition.
Defensive coordinator roles command similar coaching compensation at elite programs. Their ability to develop NFL team ready talent directly impacts program reputation and future recruiting success. The play caller role carries immense pressure with corresponding financial rewards.
Position coaches at top programs earn $200,000-600,000 depending on experience and specialty. Recruiting success often determines job security and salary negotiation outcomes. Coaches developing consistent NFL draft picks command premium coaching salaries.
Additional income opportunities supplement base NCAA football salaries:
- Summer camp instruction ($10,000-$50,000)
- Speaking engagements ($5,000-$25,000 per event)
- Equipment endorsements (varies widely)
- Consulting opportunities ($20,000-$100,000)
Factors Influencing NFL Assistant Coach Compensation
Market demand drives assistant coach salary inflation throughout professional football. NFL team organizations recognize coaching talent quality’s direct impact on championship potential, creating competitive coaching compensation environments.
Experience level dramatically affects earning potential within the coaching salaries industry. Veteran coaches with proven track records command significantly higher NFL wages than entry-level candidates. Typical salary breakdown progression follows likely patterns based on measurable success metrics.
Organizational budgets vary considerably across NFL staff franchises. Large market teams often outspend smaller organizations for premium coaching talent. However, salary cap increases benefit all teams’ coaching staff budget flexibility equally.
Key Salary Determining Factors:
Championship Success:
- Super Bowl appearances trigger immediate salary negotiation opportunities
- Playoff consistency demonstrates sustainable excellence and value
- Conference championship games enhance overall market value
- Regular season success provides significant negotiating leverage
Player Development:
- Pro Bowl selections reflect coaching staff value directly
- NFL Draft success showcases talent evaluation capabilities
- Career longevity indicates proper preparation and skill training
- Statistical improvements demonstrate measurable coaching impact
Innovation and Adaptation:
- Scheme creativity attracts organizational investment and attention
- Analytics integration shows modern data analysis coach thinking
- Technology adoption demonstrates progressive gridiron understanding
- Rule change adaptation proves strategic flexibility
Leadership and Culture:
- Team chemistry improvement reflects management skills
- Player retention indicates strong relationship building
- Locker room culture enhancement shows leadership capabilities
- Organizational alignment demonstrates professionalism
Future Trends in NFL Assistant Coaching Salaries
Professional football’s economic growth continues driving coaching compensation upward significantly. Television contracts, streaming deals, and expanded playoff formats generate unprecedented revenue, benefiting all organizational levels including coaching staff members.
Analytics expertise increasingly commands premium coaching salaries. NFL team organizations value coaches understanding advanced metrics, situational mathematics, and data-driven decision making. Game planner development now incorporates sophisticated statistical analysis throughout.
Specialization trends create new assistant coaching positions according to salary range structures. Player development coaches, analytics coordinators, and mental performance specialists represent emerging roles with unique coaching compensation packages.
Projected Salary Growth Areas:
| Specialty | Current Demand | Projected Growth | Salary Breakdown |
| Analytics Coordinator role | High | 25% annually | $300K-$600K |
| Player Safety Coach | Moderate | 15% annually | $200K-$400K |
| Mental Performance | Growing | 20% annually | $150K-$350K |
| Technology Integration | High | 30% annually | $250K-$500K |
Coaching staff expansion continues as NFL team firms recognize specialized expertise value. Modern professional football organizations employ 20+ assistant coach professionals compared to historical 8-12 coach staff. This growth creates additional career opportunities with competitive coaching compensation.
The gridiron evolution demands continuous learning and adaptation from coaching talent professionals. Successful coaches invest heavily in personal development, attending clinics, studying innovations, and networking within the industry.
FAQ’s
How much do NFL coaches make in 2025?
NFL second coach salaries range from $200,000 for entry-level place to $6 million for best coordinators. main coaches earn $6-18 million yearly.
How much money do assistant coaches make in the NFL?
Deputy coach salaries range from $200,000 to $6 million turn on on the fixed role and test level. Quality control coach positions start around $200,000.
Who is the best coach in the NFL 2025?
Andy Reid widely received recall as the best football coach in 2025 following multiple Super dish championships and in line quality with Kansas City.
Which NFL coach has the highest salary?
Bill Belichick reportedly earns all over $18 million yearly as a main coach, making him the highest-paid in the profession.
Conclusion
The NFL second Coach Salary List 2025 gives away professional football’s massive financial investment in coaching quality. From entry-level quality control coach place to best coordinator role chance, coaching compensation bundles return the industry’s recall of coaching contact on organizational success.
Coaching salaries continue their uphill route, with centre figures reaching out of the ordinary levels across all second coaching places. The football league’s economic success directly benefits coaching power professionals, creating gainful career chances for firm individuals.
