Steve Kerr entered the 2025-26 NBA season with the understanding that it could be his final year leading the Golden State Warriors.
After Friday’s play-in tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns, there is a growing belief across the league that his 12-year tenure as head coach has come to an end.
According to multiple league sources, Kerr came into training camp already mentally prepared for this possibility.
He declined to engage in contract extension discussions last fall, making his stance clear from the outset.
“I’m very comfortable just going into this season with a year left,” Kerr said last September.
“I’m so aligned with (general manager Mike Dunleavy) and (CEO Joe Lacob). There’s no reason for discussion or concern. This is kind of a point in our relationship where it’s like, let’s just see how it is at the end of the year.”
A final decision is expected soon, likely within days rather than weeks, and sources indicate that financial incentives will not play a major role.
“They could offer Steve $25 million a year,” one league source said, “and I doubt that alone would make a difference.”
Steve Kerr Unlikely To Remain With Warriors Barring Change Of Heart https://t.co/ZZcN67AstM
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 21, 2026
