Highest-paid coaches in the National Basketball Association
The Miami Heat recently signed a historic contract extension with head coach Erik Spoelstra, solidifying his importance to the organization. This groundbreaking deal, valued at over $120 million for eight years, sets a new standard for NBA coaching contracts. Spoelstra’s impressive track record, including six NBA finals appearances and two championships, showcases his success and professionalism. The Heat’s decision to commit to Spoelstra long-term demonstrates their trust in his ability to continue making a significant impact on the team’s success in the next decade.
While Spoelstra’s contract is notable, it’s important to consider the highest-paid coaches in the NBA. Currently, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich holds the title for the highest annual salary among head coaches in the league. Popovich agreed to a five-year, $80 million deal with the Spurs ahead of the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Popovich serves as San Antonio’s president of basketball operations, giving him the option to transition into an executive role if he decides to step down as coach.
Here is a list of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA:
- Gregg Popovich – $16 million
- Monty Williams – $13.08 million
- Steve Kerr – $9.5 million
- Erik Spoelstra – $8.5 million
Longest-serving NBA coaches
In the fast-paced world of professional sports, remaining as a coach in one position for more than 10 years is a remarkable achievement. Let’s take a look at the NBA coaches with the longest tenures:
Gregg Popovich – 28 seasons, from 1996–97 (San Antonio)
Greg Popovich took over as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996 and has since achieved incredible success. He has won five championships, received three Coach of the Year honors, and earned a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Popovich also holds the record for the longest streak of consecutive winning seasons, with 22 straight seasons. His recent contract extension worth a minimum of $80 million solidifies his position as the highest-paid coach in the NBA.
Erik Spoelstra – 16 seasons, from 2008-09 (Miami)
Erik Spoelstra’s journey with the Miami Heat began in 1995 when he joined the organization as a video coordinator. Over the years, he worked his way up to become an assistant coach and eventually took over as head coach in 2008. Under Spoelstra’s leadership, the Heat reached the NBA Finals six times and won championships in 2012 and 2013. The upcoming season will mark Spoelstra’s 16th year as the head coach of the Miami Heat.
Steve Kerr – 10 seasons, from 2014–15 (Warriors)
Steve Kerr became the head coach of the Golden State Warriors on May 14, 2014, replacing Mark Jackson. Since then, he has led the team to six NBA Finals appearances and four championships. Kerr made an impressive start to his coaching career, winning 19 out of 21 games. In his first season, the Warriors achieved a franchise-best record of 67-15, including a remarkable 39-2 record at home.
Michael Malone – 9 seasons, from 2015–16 (Nuggets)
Michael Malone is the only coach on this list who has worked with two different teams. After a brief stint with the Sacramento Kings, he joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015. While the Nuggets initially missed the playoffs in Malone’s first three seasons, they have consistently made it to the postseason since 2019. In the 2023-24 season, the Nuggets reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history and emerged as champions.
Taylor Jenkins – 5 seasons, from 2019–20 (Grizzlies)
Taylor Jenkins took over as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019 after several years of coaching experience. Under his leadership, the Grizzlies have become a strong team in the Western Conference, although they haven’t experienced significant playoff success yet. In recent seasons, they have finished second in the conference and won the Southwest Division twice, which is a notable achievement for the franchise.
These coaches’ long tenures and accomplishments highlight their impact on their respective teams and the NBA as a whole.
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