$20 Million Rich Andy Reid Tops, but Simone Biles Coach’s Absence Shows Saddening American Reality of Gymnastics

It’s hard to ignore the unfortunate reality of pay disparity with coaches. While some coaches make huge numbers, others are often on the wayside. Let’s, for instance, look at the highest-paid coach of 2024! Andy Reid, the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach, is the highest-paid coach for the year 2024. So how much does he make? Well, Andy Reid made $20 million this year.

That’s right—twenty million. Meanwhile, the second most-paid coach also comes from the NFL world. Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos follows Andy with $18 million in earnings. Here, of the top 5 places, three are occupied by NFL coaches and the other two by NBA coaches, including Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich. Notice the absence of something?

The top 50 most paid coaches list by Sportico shows that there is not a single gymnastics coach on that list. The same sport that had Simone Biles bringing seven Olympic golds to America seems to have an issue with finances. And it is a baffling one! Let’s take the example of Cecile Landi, the woman behind Simone Biles, and 11 Olympic wins for America! Any guesses on her income?

Well, Cecile Landi makes $340,000 annually as of now. But that amount came after she had a 70% pay hike while shifting to the University of Georgia! Meanwhile, Simone Biles’ old coach, Aimee Boorman, faces a similar fate. Aimee, too, seems to elude the ever-so-evasive top 50 list! It was with Cecile that Simone created history at Pairs. Meanwhile, it was with Aimee that Simone Biles went on to win five medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Imagine coaching names like Jordan Chiles and the queen herself, Biles, and still being unable to get paid they deserve! That is the unfortunate reality.

$20 Million Rich Andy Reid Tops, but Simone Biles’ Coach’s Absence Shows Saddening American Reality of Gymnastics

In the world of American sports, there are some stark contrasts when it comes to the wealth and recognition afforded to certain sports figures. Recently, the spotlight has been on Andy Reid, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has reached a remarkable milestone, earning a whopping $20 million. This is a testament to the immense financial rewards that come with leading a successful NFL team, particularly for someone of Reid’s stature. Meanwhile, in the gymnastics world, a significantly different reality is unfolding — one that involves both an inspiring success story and a deeply saddening struggle for recognition, particularly for coaches like Simone Biles’ long-time mentor, Cecile Landau.

Andy Reid’s $20 Million: The NFL’s Immense Wealth

Andy Reid’s $20 million salary places him among the top-earning coaches in American professional sports. His success with the Chiefs has been undeniable, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory, which not only elevates his personal profile but also rewards him handsomely. This is a reflection of the massive revenue generated by the NFL, which, through television deals, sponsorships, and merchandising, provides its coaches and players with vast financial security. Reid’s financial success is not just a testament to his coaching prowess but also to the prominence of football as the American pastime, where the financial disparities between sports can be staggering.

Reid, who has been a fixture in the NFL for decades, has built an empire from his coaching career, drawing in millions every year. The Chiefs’ success, led by Reid’s tactical genius, has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the league. His wealth is the result of a system where football generates billions in revenue, and coaches are generously compensated for their role in leading multimillion-dollar franchises.

The Other Side: Gymnastics’ Struggle for Recognition

However, the world of gymnastics paints a much different, and arguably far less glamorous, picture. Despite the incredible success of athletes like Simone Biles, who has revolutionized the sport and earned a spot as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, the financial rewards for gymnastics coaches are far less substantial. A glaring example of this is the absence of Simone Biles’ coach, Cecile Landau, who has notably been a crucial part of her career. Landau’s role in Biles’ incredible achievements—such as winning multiple Olympic gold medals—has been invaluable, yet Landau, who is known for her hands-on coaching and dedication, does not enjoy the same level of fame, financial rewards, or security as figures in major American sports leagues like the NFL.

In fact, the American gymnastics system, despite its international dominance, often leaves its coaches and support staff struggling for financial recognition. Unlike football, where coaches like Reid enjoy million-dollar salaries, gymnastics coaches often work for far less. Their compensation is generally a fraction of what NFL coaches earn, despite the immense commitment and expertise required to produce athletes at the level of Simone Biles.

A Clear Disparity in Sports Compensation

This discrepancy between the financial treatment of coaches in different sports highlights a fundamental issue in the American sports landscape: the enormous financial gulf between high-profile sports like football and those like gymnastics. While the NFL and other major leagues have built empires that generate billions, gymnastics—and many other non-revenue sports—do not share the same economic structure. The sport may produce some of the most talented athletes in the world, but coaches like Cecile Landau, who have dedicated years to nurturing talent and helping gymnasts break records, often do not reap the financial rewards that come with such success.

In the case of Simone Biles, whose achievements in gymnastics are unmatched, the disparity is especially stark. Biles has set the bar for excellence in gymnastics, yet her coach, who has been integral to her career, has not received the same level of recognition or financial security. This is not just a financial issue—it’s a reflection of how American society values certain sports over others, with the entertainment-driven industries of football, basketball, and baseball often overshadowing Olympic sports like gymnastics.

The Unseen Struggles Behind the Success

The lack of recognition for coaches like Landau also speaks to a broader issue in the American sports culture: the underappreciation of the hard work and sacrifices that go into training athletes. While football coaches are celebrities in their own right, with their faces plastered across advertisements and media outlets, gymnastics coaches often operate in the background. Their work is no less important, yet they rarely receive the same acknowledgment.

Landau’s absence from recent competitions and media attention serves as a reminder of the systemic problems within the gymnastics world. Coaches like Landau pour their heart and soul into training world-class athletes, but their roles often go unnoticed in favor of the athletes who take the spotlight. This is a sad reality that has persisted in the world of gymnastics for years, with coaches struggling to make a living while athletes like Biles—whose talents are unparalleled—achieve global recognition.

The Impact on the Future of Gymnastics

The question of whether this disparity in compensation will change remains uncertain. As long as sports like football continue to generate massive revenue, it is unlikely that coaches in lesser-funded sports will see an equivalent rise in pay. However, there is hope that the public will begin to recognize the importance of coaches in shaping the careers of athletes, especially those who have achieved as much as Simone Biles. Perhaps as the spotlight on athletes continues to grow, so too will the recognition for the mentors behind their success.

There is also a growing movement in gymnastics to raise awareness about the need for better financial support for coaches and staff. As athletes like Biles continue to achieve new heights, the hope is that the coaches who contribute to their success will also start to receive the recognition—and the compensation—they deserve.

Conclusion: The Need for Change

While figures like Andy Reid serve as shining examples of the wealth that success in high-profile sports can bring, the absence of financial recognition for coaches like Cecile Landau highlights the sad reality for many in the gymnastics world. As American sports culture continues to evolve, it’s essential that we acknowledge and address the financial disparity that exists between coaches in different sports. The contributions of coaches in gymnastics and other lesser-funded sports should not go unnoticed, and there is a pressing need to ensure that those who work tirelessly behind the scenes are given the respect and financial support they deserve.