Ranking the top 5 richest NBA coaches in the 2022-23 season, featuring Doc Rivers, Steve Kerr and more

Over the course of the last few decades, the NBA's collective bargaining agreement has resulted in both coaches and players earning more than ever. Fans may remember that when Shaquille O'Neal signed a deal with the Lakers in 1996 worth $121 million, it was the biggest deal in league history. Fast forward 25 years and now the biggest contract in league history is Nikola Jokic's $270 million deal.

The league has come a long way, and so has its pay. Today, we're going to be breaking down the five richest NBA coaches based on net worth.

#5, Nick Nurse net worth: $3 million

Toronto Raptors - Game Four

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse kicks off our list with a reported net worth of $3 million. After a lengthy career as a low-level collegiate coach, Nurse began coaching around the world. With stints in Manchester and London, it wasn't until 2013 that Nurse got his first role as an assistant coach in the NBA. After a five-year run, Nurse took over head-coaching duties in 2018.

After winning a championship and being named Coach of the Year for 2019-20, Nurse signed a multi-year extension that sees him earn $8 million a season.

#4, Erik Spoelstra net worth: $14 million

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

Few coaches have as unique of a story as Erik Spoelstra. Like something out of a movie, Spoelstra went from being the audio/video guy for the Miami Heat to head coach. The entire journey took quite a long time, with Spoelstra not seeing an assistant coaching position until the 1997-98 season.

After spending a decade as an assistant coach of the Heat, Spoelstra took over head-coaching duties in 2008-09. Since then, Spoelstra has become a two-time NBA champion and has been ranked as one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history.

#3, Steve Kerr net worth: $35 million

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr holds the unique distinction of being one of only two head coaches on this list to have also played in the NBA. In addition to being one of the greatest coaches in modern history, Kerr won five championships as a player. After his playing career, Kerr became the head coach of the Golden State Warriors in 2014.

Since then, he has led the team to four championships and helped lead the 2020 Olympic team as an assistant coach. When he signed with the Warriors as a coach in 2014, he was making $5 million a year – a figure that has likely only gone up since then.

You can see Kerr talking about his coaching philosophy below.

#2, Gregg Popovich net worth: $40 million

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich

Regarded as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, Gregg Popovich has continued to leave a mark on the game since becoming a coach in the 1970s. Popovich started his coaching career as an assistant at the Air Force Academy. After nearly 20 years, he finally got his shot as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.

Following nearly a decade in the league as an assistant coach, Popovich became head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996, a position he has held since. During his time as head coach, Popovich has been a three-time Coach of the Year and five-time champion. In addition, he helped Team USA win gold at the 2020 Olympics.

#1, Doc Rivers net worth: $60 million

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers

Between his playing career and his coaching career, Doc Rivers is by far the richest active NBA coach in the league. According to reports, when he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, his contract was worth $40 million over five years, earning him $8 million per year.

It's a pretty staggering number. However, since becoming a head coach in 1999, Rivers has won an NBA championship and was also named the 2000 Coach of the Year. As one of the top 15 coaches in NBA history, he is currently looking to lead the 76ers to a championship.

Below you can see a clip of Rivers talking about how to be a good coach.