The Golden State Warriors saw their 2025-26 campaign come to an end after a Play-In loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. After the reality of elimination set in, the focus shifted from the action on the hardwood to the uncertain future of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
With his contract officially expiring this offseason, Kerr finds himself at the center of speculation.
Steve Kerr Reflects on His Historic NBA Journey and Warriors Future
Following the 111-96 defeat, reporters naturally pressed the 60-year-old on whether he plans to sign a new deal or step away from the sidelines entirely.
Kerr said he needs a week or two to decompress and discuss his future with Golden State ownership.
“We’ll talk about what’s next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason,” Kerr said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date… When the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas and all that.”
Despite the heartbreak of the early exit and the uncertainty about his job, Kerr took a step back and reflected on his NBA journey.
“The only thing that I’ve learned is that I’m the luckiest guy in the NBA’s history,” Kerr declared. “I’ve played with [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie] Pippen and [Tim] Duncan and David Robinson. I played for Phil Jackson, Pop (Gregg Popovich), Lenny Wilkens, and Lute Olson.
“And then to come here and inherit this team and coach Steph Curry, who is undoubtedly the greatest face of a franchise that I’ve seen in any sport. He just lets me coach him and he wants to be coached, and he’s just an incredible partner and collaborator. So, the only thing I’ve learned is that I’m really blessed.”
“I’m the luckiest guy in the NBA’s history.” 🙌
From playing alongside greats, to coaching greats… to becoming one himself… Steve Kerr reflects on his special NBA journey thus far. https://t.co/GyFAlQRjIx pic.twitter.com/en5bbdGXN5
— NBA (@NBA) April 18, 2026
Sharing the court with Jordan and Pippen under the Hall-of-Fame Coach Jackson, Kerr helped the Bulls capture three consecutive NBA championships (1996 to 1998).
Under Popovich, Kerr teamed up with Duncan and Robinson on the San Antonio Spurs to become a five-time NBA champion by the time he hung up his jersey.
In 2014, Kerr took over a young, promising Golden State Warriors roster and transformed it into one of the most memorable juggernauts in history. He guided the Warriors to four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) and the historic 73-win campaign in 2015-16.
In the wake of the Play-In defeat to the Suns, Golden State’s dynasty finds itself on shaky ground.
With Kerr’s contract expiring, Golden State fans will hold their breath as they enter one of the most pivotal offseasons in franchise history.
