How much money do defensive coordinators make in the NFL? Who is the best paid?

In any NFL team, the defensive coordinator is central to a team’s success. Indeed, while the offense tends to turn more heads as it’s how points are scored, it’s worth noting that the defensive coordinator is second only to the head coach. Yet, their salaries don’t always reflect that. Let’s dive in.

What are salaries like for NFL defensive coordinators?

The thing is, the salaries of coaches and coordinators in the NFL are generally not public knowledge and the NFL for its part certainly doesn’t publish them. That said, the general consensus is that the figure sits somewhere around the $1 million mark. Of course, that number likely varies from team to team and undoubtedly from DC to DC depending on factors such as reputation and experience. Now, to be clear, the defensive is the coach responsible for the team’s defensive strategies. The individual in question creates defensive game plans, makes defensive calls, and oversees the defensive staff in general, including coaches for individual positions.

Which defensive coordinator is the highest-paid in the NFL?

That would be former Miami Dolphins’ Vic Fangio who now appears to be heading to the Philadelphia Eagles after just one season down south. After being fired by the Denver Broncos, Fangio was quickly picked up by the Dolphins ahead of the 2023-24 season and handed a sizeable contract. A 22-year veteran, the DC has served as both a defensive coordinator and head coach during his career. Where numbers are concerned, the 65-year-old has seen his defenses finish in the top 10 points allowed or yardage allowed on ten occasions.

Incidentally, his time in Denver which ended with dismissal was not exactly his doing. Indeed, it was largely the result of offensive struggles surrounding quarterback Russell Wilson. Indeed, a similar scenario unfolded in Miami as the Dolphins, despite their plethora of offensive weapons, were undone this past season in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs by defending champion, Kansas City Chiefs, the team that’s now one win away from a second consecutive Super Bowl title. With that Fangio and the franchise mutually agreed to part ways which brings us back to the present with one game left in the season. Kickoff in Sunday’s big game is set for 6:30 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t miss it.