Top 5 highest paid NFL coaches

New Orleans Saints v Seattle Seahawks

The top 3 highest earning NFL coaches

#3 - Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints, 14 million USD

In third place on our list of the highest paid NFL coaches is Sean Payton. He is the most successful coach in the history of the New Orleans Saints.

Payton has been the Saints head coach since 2006 and is among the longest serving NFL coaches, behind only Bill Belichick. Payton has won seven division titles with the Saints and has made it to the playoffs nine times. He has also made it to the NFC Championship game thrice, and has also led the Saints to their Super Bowl XLIV win.

Payton is particularly admired for his offensive schemes. He has the best record among NFL coaches in offensive yards gained and points scored in the Saints' first 100 matches, with 40,158 yards and 2,804 points, respectively.

His reputation was slightly tarnished during the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal in 2012, for which he was suspended for the entirety of the season; but having served his punishment, he still remains one of the best NFL coaches in the league.

#2 - Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks, 14 million USD

Joining Sean Payton with an equal salary number amongst NFL coaches is Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. If Sean Payton is known for his offense, Pete Carroll is known among NFL coaches for creating one of the best defenses the league has ever seen in the Legion of Boom.

He is the most successful coach in Seahawks history, having won their maiden Super Bowl in the XLVIII edition. In addition to that victory, Pete Carroll has taken the Seahawks to another Super Bowl, five division titles and nine playoff appearances. His success in Seattle justifies his salary.

#1 - Bill Belichick, New England Patriots, 18 million USD

Who else should be number one on this list other than the greatest head coach of all time? Bill Belichick has won the Super Bowl six times as head coach with the New England Patriots and twice with the New York Giants as their defensive coordinator. With the Patriots, he has won the division 17 times, made it to the AFC Championship Game 13 times and has played in nine Super Bowls.

None of the other NFL coaches have the kind of influence that Bill Belichick has on the team, where he acts as the de facto general manager as well. Without a doubt he deserves his salary. In fact, he should be given whatever he demands given his achievements.