Sean Payton’s net worth is $25 million at the moment and he earns a salary of $18 million. Payton, an American football coach, has been able to rake in all this fortune over the years through his work as a coach for different National Football League clubs during a career that has spanned three decades so far.
Sean Payton has also made money as an author, having authored a best-selling book called “Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life” which has been adapted into a Hollywood movie.
What is Sean Payton’s Net Worth Today?
Sean Payton’s net worth is currently estimated to be an astonishing $25 million. Some sources believe it extends to about $30 million, however, the more general consensus is $25 million.
Sean Payton’s net worth of $25 million is not surprising considering the work he has put into his career, having risen to become one of the most revered NFL coaches in the business. He has won a Super Bowl XLIV title and seven division titles and his coaching colleagues and NFL players speak very highly of him.
How Sean Payton’s Net Worth Of $25 Million Was Built
It is no secret that Sean Payton’s net worth was mainly built through his decades-long coaching career. However, he also has other income sources that have contributed to his overall net worth, including his playing career, TV appearances and writing.
Let’s take a look at how Sean Payton’s net worth of $25 Million came to be.
Playing Career Contributed to Sean Payton’s Net Worth
Before he became the revered coach that he now is, Sean Payton was first a football player who developed a love for the sport from childhood. After playing as a quarterback at Naperville Central High School, he received a full football scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, where he played as a quarterback. In 1986, he led the team to the quarter-finals of the Division 1-AA Playoffs, achieving an impressive 11-2 record for the season.
During his time at EIU under the guidance of football coach, Al Molde, the football team was humorously referred to as Eastern Airlines, a clever nod to the defunct commercial airline, highlighting the team’s potent passing strategy that consistently garnered over 300 yards per game. Payton was a pivotal part of the team’s passing network. Notably, his remarkable achievement of 509 passing yards in a single game still holds as a school record, even decades later.
Sean Payton Played Professionally For The Chicago Bears and Leicester Panthers
In 1987, Sean Payton was available for draft selection but was not selected in the 1987 NFL Draft. Despite this, he made an attempt to join the Kansas City Chiefs, but ended up participating for a single day.
During the same year, Payton who refused to give up, managed to play for the Chicago Bruisers and Pittsburgh Gladiators, showcasing his quarterback skills in the inaugural season of the Arena Football League. However, his contract rights were later sold for $1,000.00 to the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League.
Sean Payton also played for the Chicago Bears. He found himself as a member of the “Spare Bears,” a group of replacement players formed by the Chicago Bears during the 1987 NFL players’ strike. In the course of three games, he completed 8 out of 23 passes (34.8%) for a total of 79 yards, with no touchdowns and 1 interception.
This performance amounted to a passer rating of 27.3. Additionally, he faced 7 sacks, resulting in a loss of 47 yards, and made one rushing attempt that covered 28 yards. His single interception occurred against the New Orleans Saints, the very team he would eventually coach to a Super Bowl victory.
In the subsequent year (1988) Payton took his talents to the United Kingdom where he joined Leicester Panthers in the professional UK Budweiser National League. Notably, he secured the role of starting quarterback for the Panthers. Under his leadership, the team managed to score a touchdown on their initial possession and achieved an 8-5 record during the regular season.
The same year, the Panthers advanced to the quarter finals of the playoffs in the BAFA National Leagues, although they were defeated by the London Olympians. Following this season, Payton made his way back to the United States to embrace a coaching position.
It is not very clear how much Sean Payton made during his playing career, but he definitely made money as a player, with salaries said to range in the region of hundreds of thousands being paid to him. But, it is believed he did not make too much at the time, as the bulk of his net worth was raked in during his coaching career.
How Coaching Career Contributed To Sean Payton’s Net Worth
Sean Payton’s playing career is not as prolific or as well revered as his coaching career. In fact, most people only know him for his work as a football coach. Also, Sean Payton’s net worth has received the most boost from his coaching career than his playing career.
Our findings show that Sean Payton’s coaching journey commenced in the college ranks, laying the foundation for his eventual progression to coaching professional football teams. In 1988, his coaching odyssey began with a role as an offensive assistant at San Diego State University.
Subsequently, he navigated through a succession of assistant coaching roles, which included stints at Indiana State University, Miami University where he served as the offensive coordinator, and positions at Illinois and once again at San Diego State, this time as a running backs coach.
The money Sean Payton raked in during this period of his professional life is not clear as details of his contractual agreements are quite vague. However, it is believed that he made money within the region of hundreds of thousands of dollars as an annual salary.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sean Payton embarked on his NFL coaching journey as the quarterback coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. From 1997 to 1998 he assumed the pivotal role of quarterbacks coach for the team, collaborating closely with notable figures such as offensive coordinator Jon Gruden and offensive line coach Bill Callahan.
In the year 1998, a notable shift occurred within the coaching ranks as Gruden and Callahan departed to join the Oakland Raiders. This transition coincided with the departure of Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes, subsequently leading to Payton’s departure from the team as well. However, it is noteworthy that in the 1997 season, under Payton’s guidance, the Eagles’ quarterbacks collectively amassed an impressive 4,009 passing yards.
Details regarding Sean Payton’s compensation for his coaching tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles remain somewhat elusive. However, it has been suggested by certain sources that his remuneration during this period was relatively modest, potentially falling below the threshold of $1 million annually in salary.
Sean Payton’s Salary Was $2 Million – $4 Million Annually With The New York Giants
In 1999, Sean Payton joined the New York Giants as their quarterbacks coach, and his meteoric rise led to his promotion as the offensive coordinator in 2000. This transformative period saw the Giants secure a spot in Super Bowl XXXV as a result of Payton’s strategic guidance. Because of his unwavering commitment during this period, Payton often locked himself within the stadium, utilizing off days to study all the play analysis, sometimes even opting to sleep on the couches overnight.
During the subsequent 2002 season, following a series of lackluster performances by the Giants’ offense, Payton ceded his role in play-calling to the then-head coach, Jim Fassel. Under Fassel’s astute guidance, the offense experienced a notable resurgence, culminating in the team securing a wild-card playoff berth. Payton eventually left the team in 2003.
According to different accounts, Sean Payton’s coaching tenure with the New York Giants garnered him an annual salary ranging between $2 million and $4 million, solidifying his stature as a significant figure within the organization.
Sean Payton Earned Salary Between $4-$7 Million Annually With Dallas Cowboys
In 2003, Sean Payton embarked on a new chapter of his coaching journey by joining the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. His impact was immediately felt as he assumed the responsibility of mentoring and refining the skills of three distinct quarterbacks: Quincy Carter, Vinny Testaverde, and Drew Bledsoe.
Payton’s expertise proved instrumental in orchestrating remarkable achievements, with each of these quarterbacks achieving 3,000-yard passing seasons under his guidance. Furthermore, his adept coaching played a pivotal role in orchestrating a noteworthy transformation of the Cowboys’ passing offense.
Under his guidance, the team’s aerial prowess ascended from a modest 31st rank to an impressive 15th position within the league, showcasing his prowess in elevating the team’s performance. A testament to his acumen, Payton was also credited as the driving force behind the Cowboys’ decision to sign the undrafted free agent Tony Romo in 2003, a move that would later become a defining moment for both Romo and the franchise.
The year 2004 witnessed Payton’s stature in the league grow significantly, as his coaching prowess made him a highly sought-after asset. Recognizing his value, the Cowboys extended a pay raise to him, ensuring his continued presence as their assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. The following year, in 2005, he earned yet another promotion under the guidance of Bill Parcells, taking on the role of assistant head coach and passing game coordinator.
Throughout his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Sean Payton reportedly commanded an annual salary ranging between $4 million and $7 million. This substantial compensation contributed to augmenting his net worth, solidifying his position as a notable figure within the coaching fraternity.
Sean Payton’s Salary Was $9 Million Annually With The New Orleans Saints
In 2006, Sean Payton joined the New Orleans Saints as their head coach. This would be the first time he would be hired as the head coach of an NFL team, and it was with this team that he achieved the biggest success so far in his career. At the time he joined the New Orleans Saints, the team was struggling very badly. However, he steered them through a significant transformation to achieve their biggest success story ever.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Saints had endured a challenging 2005 season, culminating in a lackluster 3–13 record, positioning them as one of the league’s weakest teams. However, when Payton joined in 2006, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, capitalizing on the addition of newly acquired free-agent quarterback Drew Brees. Together, they spearheaded the team’s resurgence, propelling the Saints to their first playoff appearance in six years.
During this rejuvenated campaign, the Saints emerged as a force to be reckoned with, boasting one of the league’s most potent offenses, topping the charts in passing and ranking fifth in points scored.
Demonstrating their prowess, the team clinched the NFC South title with a commendable 10–6 record, securing a coveted first-round playoff bye. This pivotal journey culminated in the franchise’s second-ever playoff victory, propelling them to a coveted spot in the NFC Championship Game against the top-seeded Chicago Bears.
Sean Payton’s exceptional leadership did not go unnoticed, as he earned the esteemed AP NFL Coach of the Year Award in January 2007, receiving a resounding 44 out of 50 votes from a panel of sports journalists and broadcasters.
The subsequent 2007 season saw the Saints striving to build upon their previous successes. The zenith of Payton’s coaching career with the Saints came in 2009, a year marked by unprecedented triumph. Guiding the team to a remarkable 13–3 record, Payton orchestrated an unforgettable journey that culminated in a Super Bowl appearance.
The New Orleans Saints secured a 31–17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, emerging as the winners. This was a historic feat as it was the team’s first Super Bowl win in their entire history. This victory etched an indelible chapter in the franchise’s history.
Soon after, Sean Payton’s dedication to the Saints was further solidified by a new five-year contract extension in March 2016, and on Christmas Eve in 2016, he secured his 94th victory as the head coach of the Saints, surpassing Jim E. Mora as the winningest coach in the franchise’s storied history.
He remained with the team until 2022 when he stepped down as a coach. By the time he stepped down, he had accumulated an overall record of 161–97, becoming the winningest coach in franchise history.
In his capacity as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton commanded a significant annual salary of $9 million. This notable compensation not only underscored his position as a prominent figure within the realm of NFL coaching, but also reflected the value the organization placed on his leadership and strategic expertise.
Sean Payton Current Salary is $18 million With Denver Broncos
On January 31, 2023, Sean Payton made the announcement that he had agreed to take on the role of head coach for the Denver Broncos. This announcement was followed by his official hiring by the Broncos just three days later. A notable aspect of this transition was the arrangement made to release Payton from his contract with the New Orleans Saints. In this agreement, the Broncos opted to trade a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 second-round pick to the Saints, acquiring both Payton and a 2024 third-round pick.
Recent reports shed light on the financial aspect of Payton’s move to the Denver Broncos. His contract terms reportedly entail an annual salary of $18 million, a substantial figure that emphasizes the Broncos’ investment in his coaching expertise. This noteworthy compensation not only highlights Payton’s value as a seasoned coach but also reflects the competitive nature of the NFL coaching landscape.
Is Sean Payton The Highest Paid NFL Coach?
No! Sean Payton is not the highest-paid NFL coach at the moment. But he ranks very high on the list. Our findings show that Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, is currently the highest-paid NFL coach with an annual salary of $20 million. Bill Belichick has been with the Patriots for over 20 seasons and has clinched an impressive six Super Bowl victories during this time.
Interestingly, Sean Payton comes second on the list of the highest-paid NFL coaches with his annual salary of $18 million with the Denver Broncos.
Other Ventures That Contributed To Sean Payton’s Net Worth
Sean Payton’s net worth has received a boost from other ventures apart from just his coaching career over the years. The football coach has earned money from being an author and from making appearances on television.
Let’s take a look at these ventures.
How Authorship Boosted Sean Payton’s Net Worth
Sean Payton has made money quite a lot of money as an author. He authored a single book, titled “Home Team: Coaching the Saints and New Orleans Back to Life,” a collaborative effort with journalist Ellis Henican. This literary work was published in 2010 and serves as a narrative of Payton’s remarkable journey as a coach.
The book delves into his evolution from his origins as a high school coach in Texas to his eventual ascent as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Within its pages, readers are also treated to the chronicle of the Saints’ remarkable transformation from a struggling NFL team to achieving the pinnacle of success with their Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2009.
According to Payton, his motivation for writing the book stemmed from his desire to share his personal narrative and inspire others through his experiences. Through the pages of “Home Team,” he aimed to convey the message that hard work and unyielding commitment to one’s dreams can lead to the realization of even the loftiest aspirations.
The book enjoyed both critical acclaim and commercial success, a testament to its compelling content. It reached an impressive rank of number 8 on the esteemed New York Times bestseller list. Its authenticity, humor, and insights into the intricate world of professional football garnered praise from readers and critics alike. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies and attained bestseller status.
His Book Was Adapted Into A Movie
The impact of Sean Payton’s book extended beyond just its pages. This is because, in 2022, it was adapted into a movie. The movie, titled Home Team, was released in January 2022 to an expectant audience. The film cast Kevin James in the role of Sean Payton, bringing his story to life on screen. Payton also made a cameo appearance in the film.
This multi-dimensional success, encompassing literature and film, undoubtedly contributed to Sean Payton’s net worth. He was paid handsomely for the rights to his story. The exact details of the payment are not clear but it is believed to run into millions of dollars.
Sean Payton Has Made Appareances In TV Shows
Sean Payton has also made appearances in TV shows over the years. In 2010, he appeared in an episode of Cubed, a sports/comedy TV series. In 2016, he made an appearance in one episode of the American sports comedy-drama television series, Ballers.
Unfortunately, the exact details of what Payton was paid to make appearances in these series are not certain.
