An appearance on the Tom Tolbert Show (Link to YouTube), Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed to his former college teammate that at the end of 2025/26 he decided he would not return for a 13th season in 26/27, citing a busy travel schedule as a factor in his thinking.
Still, Kerr noted three meetings with the governor Joe Lacobexecutive vice president Kirk Lacoband general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr played a key role in his change—he eventually signed two-year contract stay with Golden State.
“I’ve decided I’m leaving with a week or two left in the regular season” Kerr told Tolbert. “I just thought, ‘It’s just time.’ I felt it. I didn’t say anything to anyone, but I just thought, “Yeah, that’s it.” I just wanted to.
“And then when the season ended, we all felt that we had to give it a couple of weeks, let the emotions settle down, and then sort it out and see where we were and where the team was. And I’m glad we did it… and I just think we (the department and Kerr) came to a really good conclusion and agreement that we should continue with it.
“And I’m so glad it happened because I’m really pumped for this season. I couldn’t be more excited. I recovered, rejuvenated. (I’m) excited about the potential of this team. We all get counted out, and that’s a good thing. … Let everyone say what they want.
“But I’m pretty sure we can have a really good season. Our coaching staff prepared all summer, young guys worked in the hall every day. So it’s exciting to be back.”
Later, when asked if he plans to coach another team in the future, Kerr said no. But he expressed his view that he plans to play in the NBA in some capacity when the time comes.
Here’s more from Carr’s lengthy interview with Tolbert:
- Kerr said Lacobs and Dunleavy were pleased with his approach to those meetings about his future and the team’s future, as he shared ideas about changes he could make for the better in the 2026/27 season. He also said that management essentially told him what he needed lower his expectations following the injuries suffered by the Warriors in the 2025/26 season. Kerr called the team’s current state “in transition.” Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at the end of their careers and young players are trying to develop into future cornerstones.
- Kerr repeated that he never understood LeBron James was seriously considering signing a free-agent contract with the Warriors. “I don’t think it’s totally shocking news, or I don’t think I’ll be fined for saying he never felt like he was coming here.” Kerr said (tip to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Will Simmonds). “For me, it was more speculation than anything else. I think we would have a much better sense that, you know, something is about to happen. But it was really interesting to hear the fans around the Bay — how, you know, people randomly come up to me and say, ‘I’m glad we didn’t get LeBron.’ And I say: “Really?” And they say, “Yeah, it’s like he shouldn’t be on our team.” He is a competitor.” And I understand this as a sports fan. It would, you know, have to Magic (Johnson) and (Larry) Bird played in the same team? So, I mean, just as a coach and coached him in the Olympics – sign me up. … But it was interesting to listen to our fans. I think the fans, you know, because of the emotional connection you have with your team and the rivalry and everything, I think it was just an amazing thought. That’s the reaction I get from a lot of people.”
- In May, Kerr said he hoped the Warriors could add “young legs” to the roster this offseason. That didn’t really happen, as the Warriors re-signed their veteran players in part due to a lack of financial flexibility in free agency. Still, he wasn’t disappointed with the outcome, saying it was largely out of the team’s control Angela Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area. “As a CEO, I know how hard it is to just magically say, “Okay, we’re going to get younger.” Kerr told Tolbert.Obviously we tried to get younger, but things have to materialize. To be able to do certain things, you need assets or premises. What came to us, I mean, it’s (Dunleavy’s) and (Joe Lacoba’s) work, but they obviously drive everything for me. I mean, it didn’t make sense for me to take this big step. So, look, we’ve done our best to compile a list.”
- Asked how the team can compensate for the absence due to injuries Jimmy Butler and Moses MoodyKerr said the Warriors will have to rely on their depth. “I think Jaxel (Lendeborg)it will help very little” Kerr continued.He is a really good player. He is older, he is mature. Watching him train with our guys, he’s going to help us. Gui Santos, these guys are going to help us. George Niang, Brandon Williamsnew subscribers. Nothing earth-shattering, but really good players who can play a lot of minutes. And so I think our depth is the answer to the question you asked. We will have to rely on the whole squad, including two-way players. And luckily, I feel really good about our guys filling out the back end of the roster. And I think they can help us hold down the fort until Jimmy and Moses come back in the second half of the year.”
- Kerr also outlined how he plans to use Green this season. He said he would like to see the veteran forward/center cut his losses and continue to make 3-pointers, but suggested his offensive role could be reduced to some extent. “It’s going to be an interesting year“, – said Kerr, translated Vince Lontz of NBC Sports Bay Area. “A transitional year of sorts. We’re going to do some things differently. Obviously he and Steph have a great relationship. We’re not going to give it up, but he’s going to have to adjust a little bit, and it’s probably going to be a little uncomfortable. So I’ll need his patience too.”
