DHJ Quick Take
- Likely Departure: Following the expiration of his contract and a missed postseason, Steve Kerr is not expected to return as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
- Money is Not the Factor: Sources indicate that Kerr’s decision is not financially motivated; the Warriors are reportedly willing to offer a significant salary, but a “change of heart” would be required for him to stay.
- Direction Over Dollars: For Kerr to return, he would need to feel a renewed faith in his role and the franchise’s direction as they shift from their historic dynasty toward an uncertain future.
Steve Kerr is not expected to return as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Kerr just finished the final year of his contract with the Warriors, who missed the playoffs this season.
“Yet Kerr last week left open the possibility – very slight, according to sources – of returning,” Poole wrote. “Multiple sources indicate his decision, however, will not be based on the dollar amount. Two sources insist that any change of heart would require, among other factors, Kerr having renewed faith in his role as the franchise shifts toward the future.”
The Warriors hired Kerr in 2014. They have been to six NBA Finals, going 4-2. Stephen Curry has won two MVPs and one Finals MVP under Kerr, while Draymond Green won the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Golden State went 73-9 during the 2015-16 season. 73 is the most wins in NBA history in a regular season.
“I still love coaching, but I get it,” Kerr said after the Warriors’ 2025-26 season ended. “These jobs all have an expiration date. There is a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas.”
Golden State has missed the playoffs four out of the past seven seasons and failed to advance past the second round since 2022. Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, has one year left on his contract. The future Hall of Famer and the Warriors are expected to discuss a contract extension this offseason.
“I want Coach to be happy,” Curry said. “I want him to be excited for the job. I want him to believe he’s the right guy for the job. I want him to have an opportunity to enjoy what he does, whatever that means for him. Everybody’s plan is their own. He knows how I feel about him.”
After the Warriors lost to the Phoenix Suns, Kerr huddled with Curry and Green and said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death.”
Kerr is 604-353 in the regular season and 104-48 in the playoffs with the Warriors, who won the 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 championships. The 60-year-old has had an incredible NBA life. He won three championships with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson on the Chicago Bulls and two titles with Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Gregg Popovich on the San Antonio Spurs as a player before winning four rings with the Warriors as a coach.
Kerr is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-point field goal percentage. He shot 45.4% from 3 during his playing career.
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