Belichick tops list of highest-paid coaches in U.S. sports

Bill Belichick is the highest-paid coach in American sports, according to a list released Wednesday by Sportico.

The New England Patriots head coach claimed the top spot on the list with an estimated annual salary of $18 million, which Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen notes is based on conversations with more than a dozen people familiar with such deals.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tied for the No. 2 spot at $14 million, followed by Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid at $12 million.

Of the top 25 coaches on the list, 14 are from the NFL, seven are from the NBA, three are from college football, and one is from college basketball.

Belichick is in his 22nd season as head coach of the Patriots and serves as the team's de facto general manager.