There a time this past season when Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr’s return to the organization was not at all certain. Eventually, both sides reached an agreement on a contract extension to keep the four-time championship coach at the helm. But again, that was not seen as a sure thing throughout the year. And for Kerr himself, he admitted that at one point, he didn’t anticipate he would be back.
“I wasn’t sure if I was the right person or if they wanted me back frankly, because we’re in this weird spot where we won a title in ‘22, we’ve been really competitive the last couple years, but we’re clearly in transition. Our best players are older,” Kerr said. “Last year was a difficult season, 37-45, very disappointing.There was part of me that felt like maybe it was time for a new voice, and maybe for them too.”
Ultimately, the trust and relationship that Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ front office had built over the years was a key factor in him remaining as head coach on a new contract extension.
Article Continues Below“I think that’s kind of the reason I’m back too. We have such a great relationship between front office and management and coaching staff, players,” Kerr continued. “So it just became an easy decision once everything clarified.”
Kerr signed a two-year contract extension once the Warriors were already eliminated from the play-in. He’s been at the helm since the 2014-15 season, and he won a title in his coaching debut. That began a stretch of five straight NBA Finals appearances resulting in three championships. The Warriors have made the playoffs in eight of his 12 seasons as head coach.