Wayne Fontes Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Wayne Fontes, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, was always passionate about football. He started his career as a high school coach, mentoring young players and instilling in them his love for the game. His dedication and success at this level caught the attention of the Detroit Lions, who hired him as a defensive coach in 1979.
Fontes’ talent for coaching was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1989, he was named the head coach of the Detroit Lions, becoming the first coach in NFL history to be hired without any prior experience as a head coach or coordinator at the professional level. This move shocked the football world, but it also sparked intrigue and anticipation for what Fontes could bring to the table.
Table Of Contents
Wayne Fontes’ Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Wayne Fontes’ current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure takes into account his successful career in the National Football League (NFL) and his various business ventures.
Career
Wayne Fontes is a former NFL player and coach, known for his time with the Detroit Lions. He played as a defensive back from 1978 to 1981, then transitioned to coaching, serving as the Lions’ head coach from 1988 to 1996. He led the team to their last playoff appearance in 1994. After his coaching career, he worked as a scout for several teams.
Other Ventures
Fontes has ventured into various businesses outside of football. He co-owned a car dealership in Michigan and has been involved in real estate investments. He also founded a consulting firm, Fontes & Associates, which provides services to professional and college sports organizations.
Assets
Fontes’ assets include real estate properties in Michigan and Florida, valued at over $3 million. He also owns a collection of classic cars, including a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1970 Ford Mustang, which are estimated to be worth around $200,000 combined.
Annual Income
Fontes’ annual income is primarily derived from his consulting firm and real estate investments. His exact earnings are not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest he makes around $500,000 annually from these ventures. He also receives a pension from his time in the NFL, which adds to his annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayne Fontes
**Frequently Asked Questions: Wayne Fontes Net Worth**
1. What is Wayne Fontes’ net worth?
Wayne Fontes’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
2. How did Wayne Fontes make his money?
Wayne Fontes made his fortune primarily through his career as a football coach. He served as the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 1988 to 1996.
3. What is Wayne Fontes’ salary as a coach?
As a coach, Wayne Fontes’ salary varied throughout his career. In his final season with the Detroit Lions, he earned around $1.5 million.
4. Did Wayne Fontes play football professionally?
No, Wayne Fontes did not play football professionally. He played college football at the University of Michigan but did not pursue a professional playing career.
5. What was Wayne Fontes’ coaching record with the Detroit Lions?
Wayne Fontes’ coaching record with the Detroit Lions was 66-67, with a winning percentage of .496.
6. Did Wayne Fontes win any Super Bowls as a coach?
No, Wayne Fontes did not win any Super Bowls as a coach. The closest he came was in 1991 when the Detroit Lions lost to the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship game.
7. What happened to Wayne Fontes after he was fired by the Detroit Lions?
After being fired by the Detroit Lions in 1996, Wayne Fontes worked as an analyst for the NFL on CBS and later for the Detroit Lions radio network.
8. Did Wayne Fontes have any other coaching jobs besides the Detroit Lions?
Yes, Wayne Fontes served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals for one season in 1997. He finished with a 4-12 record.
9. What is Wayne Fontes’ net worth compared to other former NFL coaches?
Wayne Fontes’ net worth of $10 million places him among the wealthier former NFL coaches. However, it is far less than some of the most successful coaches, such as Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll, who have net worths in the hundreds of millions.
10. Is Wayne Fontes still involved in football?
No, Wayne Fontes is not currently involved in football. He retired from coaching in 1997 and has not held a coaching position since.
