Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Friday night that he is unsure whether he will return next season, telling reporters after a play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns that “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The 58-year-old coach said he plans to take “a week or two” before sitting down with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to discuss his expiring contract. No extension talks took place during the regular season.
“I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date,” Kerr said. “If my time is done, I’ll be nothing but grateful. It may still go on. It may not.”
The recent run
Kerr has guided Golden State for 12 seasons, winning four NBA championships between 2015 and 2022 and shaping one of the league’s most successful dynasties. The Warriors’ fortunes have since dipped: injuries limited Stephen Curry for long stretches this year, the roster never fully meshed, and the team’s season ended in the play-in round.
A courtside moment
In the waning minutes against Phoenix, Kerr pulled Curry and longtime forward Draymond Green aside. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you,” he told them.
Green voiced his desire to remain with the franchise, saying, “Hopefully I’ve done enough to still be here.” Curry added, “I want Coach to be happy. I want him to be excited for the job.”
Next steps
Kerr ruled out pursuing another bench elsewhere. “I don’t want to walk away from Steph,” he said. “I’m definitely not going and coaching somewhere else.” The upcoming discussions with ownership and the front office will determine whether the Warriors and their coach will try to extend their partnership for a 13th season.
Source: Hoops Wire
