Several assistant coaches on the Golden State Warriors staff believe Steve Kerr will not return next season, according to a report. Kerr, in the final year of his contract, has expressed comfort with the uncertainty amid the team's recent struggles. The report comes as the Warriors grapple with Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL injury.
The Golden State Warriors are facing uncertainty beyond their current challenges on the court. According to a report by Logan Murdock of The Ringer, several assistant coaches are operating under the premise that head coach Steve Kerr will not return for the 2025-26 season. Kerr is entering the final year of his contract with the team.
The past week has been particularly tough for the Warriors, whose season was upended by Jimmy Butler's torn ACL. In their first game without the star forward, Golden State suffered a 145-127 blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors. Toronto's defense focused heavily on Stephen Curry, limiting his impact and exposing the team's reliance on a second scoring option.
Without Butler, opponents can more easily game plan against the Warriors, diminishing their slim chances of a deep postseason run. The team has until the February 5 trade deadline to make moves that could salvage their season.
Kerr addressed his contract situation in September, indicating he wants to assess the team's position at season's end before discussing an extension. "I love my job," Kerr said. "I love what I'm doing every day. I can't wait to get to the building. Hopefully I'm here for another few years. But I think it makes sense for the organization and for me to see where this thing is at the end of the year -- where they are and where I am. Hopefully that means we run it back, we keep going with this group, that'd be awesome. But I like the fact we can do it how we want it."
He added that he is "very comfortable" on an expiring deal, noting alignment with general manager Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob. "We talked about this -- there's no reason for discussion or concern," Kerr said. "This is kind of a point in our relationship where let's just see how it is at the end of the year."
The assistants' expectations may hinge on the Warriors' direction following Butler's injury. If the team opts for a rebuild, Kerr might prefer to step away rather than lead a transitional era.