5 highest-paid NBA coaches in the league right now

#3 Steve Nash

The Brooklyn Nets had one of the most star-studded lineups in NBA history this season and were led by a two-time MVP of the league in Steve Nash. Although the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Blake Griffin need little coaching, the Nets were keen to lock Nash down to a four-year deal in 2020 in pursuit of a championship. In reports surrounding his contract, Nash is said to earn around $8.7m a year, making him the third-highest paid coach despite his lack of experience in the role.

Steve Nash said his message to his players after Game 7 was one of pride: "They couldn't have given us anything more. To take that team, without Kai -- and James on one leg out there... I hurt for them more than anything."
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 20, 2021

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Of course, they came up short this season. However, they were injury-ridden in their conference semifinal battle against the Milwaukee Bucks. Nash will be keen to have a full summer to work with his three superstars, hoping that they can return to full fitness and craft their plans to return as title favorites next season.

#2 Steve Kerr

Steve Kerr has won three titles with the Golden State Warriors

While the details of Steve Kerr's new multi-year contract extension are unclear, reports suggest that the Golden State Warriors coach earns at least double of what he was previously earning. That puts his average annual income at about $10m per season. Hardly surprising for a coach who helped create a dynasty and won three championships in the last six years.

Reminder: Steve Kerr won 4 straight championships (1996-1999) and has 8 in total. 5 as a player 3 as a coach pic.twitter.com/3XJgvKuxub
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 21, 2020

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Kerr is one of the most experienced coaches in the NBA and one of the most decorated. In addition to his three rings as head coach, the 55-year-old also won five titles as a player for the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs. Helping to re-create a winning mentality with the Warriors has been key to his success and they will remain playoff contenders next year once Klay Thompson is back from injury.

#1 Gregg Popovich

San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich leads the league for salary

It is no surprise that the league's longest-tenured coach, Gregg Popovich, has the highest salary in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs legend has made the franchise what it is today, implementing his hard-working, efficient style of basketball and winning the side's only five championships.

From 1999 to 2007, the Spurs dominated the NBA, winning four of their rings behind the leadership of Popovich and Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. Since he took charge of the side in 1996, the Spurs have finished outside of the top-4 teams in the West on only eight occasions and had the best record in the conference seven times.

Popovich signed a three-year contract extension with San Antonio in 2019, which reportedly earns him around $11m per year.