Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is widely regarded as one of the best head coaches in the NFL. But is he currently being paid like a top coach? Let’s examine Harbaugh’s contract, 2024 salary, and net worth.
What Is Harbaugh’s Salary With the Chargers?
Harbaugh reportedly signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chargers, which makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches.
Harbaugh’s $16 million salary makes him the third-highest head coach in the NFL this season, behind only Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid ($18+ million) and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton ($18 million).
Given Harbaugh’s success at the NFL and collegiate levels — and the money Michigan was willing to spend in order to keep him in Ann Arbor and defend the Wolverines’ national championship — it makes sense that the Chargers had to break the bank in order to get a signature on the dotted line.
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With that said, the Chargers gave Harbaugh a significant raise from what he was earning at Michigan.
With the Wolverines, Harbaugh earned $8,254,600 plus up to $3 million in postseason incentives. Also, Harbaugh’s deal had some nice perks, including access to a private jet and $2 million per year paid to his life insurance policy.
There are only 10 active NFL head coaches who have led a team to the Super Bowl, and Harbaugh is one of them, so he comes at a premium. The Chargers were willing to open their wallet and make a massive offer to Harbaugh in order to secure him.
What Is Harbaugh’s Net Worth?
Harbaugh’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million.
Keep in mind, before Harbaugh became an elite coach, he was an NFL quarterback for 14 seasons. He was also a first-round pick in the 1987 NFL Draft, and he became a Pro Bowler, won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and is in the Indianapolis Colts’ Ring of Honor.
So, Harbaugh’s net worth is factoring in his coaching money and NFL contracts.
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While this net worth may seem low for a former starting NFL quarterback, it’s worth noting Harbaugh played during the late 1980s and 1990s when QBs weren’t making the kind of money they are today.
While today’s highest-paid quarterbacks are bringing home $50-60 million per season, the highest-paid player in the NFL during Harbaugh’s 1987 rookie season was Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, with a salary of $1.1 million.
It’s safe to say that Harbaugh’s coaching salaries have been significantly more lucrative than his player contracts — particularly the early deals he signed with the Bears and Colts.
While Harbaugh is one of the richest NFL head coaches, he trails Bill Belichick ($70 million) and Andy Reid ($50 million) in terms of net worth. However, Harbaugh is 12 years younger than Belichick and six years younger than Reid, so he has time to catch up to the legendary coaches.