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Steve Kerr's Future as Warriors Coach Uncertain as Contract Expires

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Steve Kerr Uncertain About Future as Warriors Coach

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated he is uncertain about returning for the next NBA season following the expiration of his contract. Kerr said he will take time to consider his future before meeting with team leadership to discuss a new contract. Key players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have expressed hope for his return.

Current Situation and Statements

Steve Kerr's contract with the Golden State Warriors concluded at the end of the team's season, which ended with a 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA play-in tournament on April 19, 2024.

  • Kerr stated he is uncertain about his return, saying, "I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching."
  • He plans to take one to two weeks before meeting with Warriors controlling owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss a new contract.
  • Kerr said any decision would be collaborative, involving discussions about the team's offseason plans.

"These jobs all have an expiration date. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas."

  • Kerr confirmed he will not coach another NBA team next season regardless of his decision.

Player Perspectives

Two of the team's veteran players, who have played under Kerr for his entire tenure, commented on his situation.

  • Stephen Curry said he wants Kerr "to be happy" and "excited about the job," adding that Kerr knows how he feels about him. Curry also stated that coaching him for the remainder of his career is "part of the equation" in Kerr's decision-making process.
  • Draymond Green said, "I just don't deal with change well. I don't love it. So, I don't want to think about that. I hope that's not the case," regarding the possibility of Kerr not returning.

Both Curry and Green have one year remaining on their contracts, though Green could become a free agent if he declines a $27.6 million player option.

Background and Tenure

Steve Kerr has been the head coach of the Golden State Warriors for 12 seasons.

  • His regular-season record with the team is 604-353, with a playoff record of 104-48.
  • Under his leadership, the Warriors reached the NBA Finals six times in his first seven seasons, winning four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
  • The team finished the 2023-24 season with a 37-45 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
  • In 2024, Kerr also coached the United States men's basketball team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Additional Context

In related team developments, Stephen Curry has stated he plans to play for multiple more seasons and would be interested in discussing a contract extension with the Warriors.