If Coaching Is Literally A Game Changer, Then Why Are HCs Paid So Little Compared To Players?

Those rare times when it's disclosed that an NFL head coach is making $10mil per season, that amount becomes literally newsworthy. Most head coaches, though, are currently paid between $3-$7mil per season. Brian Flores was making $3mil and if Flores were a player, his salary would've ranked 15th on the Dolphins. (based on cap hit, which reflects total compensation)

None of us expect Brian Flores, etal, to make the same as Patrick Mahomes. Empirical evidence abounds that a quarterback is more valuable than even a premier coach. (2020 Patriots) But, last year, fifteen placekickers made more than $3,000,000.

In early 1970, after their first four years of ineptitude (15-39-2), the Miami Dolphins stole Don Shula (the McVay like wonderkind of his time) away from the Baltimore Colts. The Dolphins lured Shula with a five year contract, GM powers and a 10% stake in the team. A mere three seasons later, the Shula Dolphins became the only post-merger NFL team ever, to go undefeated. (in return for tampering with Shula, the Fins were ordered by Rozelle to give the Colts their #1 pick in the draft.)

Shula was a prickly, hard nosed coach who ruffled the feathers of owners. Sounds a lot like, Jim Harbaugh, who despite a .690 winning percentage in the NFL, couldn't find a job for the same $10million that last year, the Dolphins dangled to free agent WR, Will Fuller. (4 receptions)

So, what's the WAR of a coach? Or, have the importance of elite quarterbacks made head coaches not exactly expendable, but virtually interchangeable?

We expect them to be miracle workers but pay them like interior linemen. Why the disconnect?