When the Golden State Warriors decided to move on from Mark Jackson in 2014, it was seen as a shocking decision. However, the arrival of Steve Kerr as the new head coach changed the entire trajectory of the franchise.
He became the mastermind behind an incredible dynasty and launched Stephen Curry into the stratosphere. But, after four seasons of underwhelming performances, there is a possibility that his time in the Bay Area is coming to an end.
Steve Kerr Could Be on His Way Out for Warriors
Over the last decade-plus, Kerr has been a foundational piece for two MVP campaigns from Curry, including the only unanimous MVP victory in NBA history. He was also the architect behind small-ball lineups that now dominate league-wide in almost every aspect.
Four championships, six Finals appearances, and a stranglehold over the Western Conference for half a decade, Kerr’s tenure with the Warriors has been as dominant as they come. But, since their last championship hurrah in 2022, they haven’t had the same level of success.
Losing in the second round on two separate occasions, they also missed the playoffs completely in the 2023-24 season. Now, walking into the play-in as the 10th seed in the West, there is a chance they miss out on a postseason berth again.
As a result, the organization could look to make some major changes, which could begin with a change in the head coaching ranks. But a day before their play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the mindset for Kerr is clear.
“I’m honestly not thinking about that. I’m just locked in on trying to beat the Clippers,” one of the greatest winners in NBA history admitted. “And what I’m thinking about honestly is how much I enjoy this.”
A five-time NBA champion during his playing career, he now has an unbelievable nine championships on his résumé. But the drive to continue in his head coaching role remains the same.
“I still love what I do, and I’ve been lucky to be here for 12 years with this group. Like I said, we’ll figure all that other stuff (contract situation) out whenever the season ends.”
In the final season of a two-year, $35 million contract extension he signed in February 2024, it remains to be seen if Golden State decides to bring him back.
With both Curry and Draymond Green, two of the other main pillars of the vaunted Warriors dynasty, suiting up for the play-in, it could be the perfect swansong for the group.
However, against a Clippers team that made it to the play-in despite starting the season 6-21, the odds are stacked against them, with back-to-back victories necessary to even make it to the playoffs.
