Nick Saban makes more than ...

Sports

After agreeing to an extension to coach the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban - at $7 million a year - makes more than most NFL coaches.

Already the highest-paid coach in college football, Nick Saban got a $1.5 million pay raise when he agreed to a contract extension with Alabama. His reported $7 million a year salary is more than what a few NFL coaches make. Here's a comparison:

While at Arkansas, Bobby Petrino made half of Nick Saban's pay - $3.5 million. With a take-home pay of $855,600, Petrino is currently the best-paid coach in the Sun Belt Conference - against which Saban's Crimson Tide has rattled off six straight wins.

New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault is the highest-paid coach in hockey, making $2 million a year.

After bonus and incentives, Nick Saban will make more than the man who was an NFL mentor for four seasons at the Cleveland Browns. Bill Belichick, who has made five trips to the Super Bowl since 2000, makes $7.5 million a year as coach of the New England Patriots.

Mike Scioscia is the highest-paid manager in major league baseball with a salary of $5 million a year. His 10-year deal expires after the 2018 season.

Doc Rivers, the Los Angeles Clippers' head coach, was made basketball's best-paid coach by his former employer - the Boston Celtics. He pulls in $7 million a year.

New Orleans guru Sean Payton returned to the NFL this after a year-long suspension to a new deal that pays the Saints coach an estimated $8 million annually - making him the highest-paid coach in the NFL.

Topping the list of any coaching salary is Jose Mourinho of Chelsea in the English Premier League. At $20 million, Mourinho makes nearly three times Nick Saban's salary.

1/8

Already the highest-paid coach in college football, Nick Saban got a $1.5 million pay raise when he agreed to a contract extension with Alabama. His reported $7 million a year salary is more than what a few NFL coaches make. Here's a comparison:

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: An early look at CNN Center's redevelopment in downtown Atlanta

PHOTOS: Wayfair opens first Atlanta store

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Celtics in key East battle

People march in Bishop Park in Athens on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protesters gathered in 10 different locations around Georgia’s Congressional District 10, leading up to a “Democracy Fair” at Bishop Park as part of a nationwide day of “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers estimate that a few thousand people participated, many of them first-time protesters. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: 'No Kings' rally at Bishop Park in Athens, Ga.

More Galleries

PHOTOS: UGA Pro Day draws Falcons, others

Atlanta Hawks host the Orlando Magic in an NBA game

PHOTOS: Magic night as Hawks continue winning streak

Photos: North Paulding girls defeat Grayson for a 6A basketball state championship

Alerts