We may never know exactly how much Bill Belichick earns a year.
The same can be said for most major NFL coaches, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, who on Thursday added context to his previous report that Belichick’s annual salary with the New England Patriots is estimated at $ 20 million.
“I don’t have an exact number, and that’s why: the highest-paid coaches in football receive a salary that is reported to the league and other money is channeled to them through team-owned companies owned by the team” , said Florio on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show”, as transcribed by WEEI.com. “And I’m not saying that this is exactly what happened in New England; this is what happens throughout the league. The best coaches earn extra income that no one knows about. People will say, ‘Well, why is this a secret? Why is it a big deal? ‘There is no salary cap. It’s not like you have to give someone a folder of money under the table because you’re going to be in trouble for breaking the coach’s salary cap. It’s more about blowing up the curve. “
Belichick’s salary became a talking point earlier this week, after Florio reported that Urban Meyer was looking for $ 12 million a year to train in the NFL.
Boston Globe’s Ben Volin tweeted that Pete Carroll and John Harbaugh earn about $ 12 million a year with the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, respectively, with only Belichick exceeding that total. But Florio responded by pointing out Belichick’s alleged salary and noting that Carroll and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton earn about $ 15 million annually.
“My belief is everything you hear about Bill Belichick, whatever you think he’s winning, he’s winning more than that,” said Florio on WEEI Thursday. “The same with Sean Payton, Pete Carroll. The best coaches in the league are earning more than we think because they keep everything secret so coaches who are not at the top of the food chain are encouraged to ask for more.
“When a great player gets a big contract, the high tide raises all the boats and other players can get more in the wake of that great player. I think the goal is, let’s keep calm so that these younger coaches, those coaches with less experience and less achievements, don’t want it so much. “
Of course, it should be noted that Belichick has more or less a dual function, also serving as general manager of New England. So, it is understandable that he is well paid.
And Belichick’s six Super Bowl rings with the Patriots suggest he is worth every penny, even after a disappointing 2020 season.
Miniature photo via David Butler II / USA TODAY Sports Images