Steve Kerr's Warriors Future Uncertain After Playoff Exit

Longtime Golden State coach says he's unsure about next steps after season-ending loss.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:55am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, with sharp, overlapping shapes in muted colors representing the shifting dynamics of the Warriors' organization.The uncertainty surrounding Steve Kerr's future with the Warriors reflects the team's need to reconfigure its identity and direction.San Francisco Today

After the Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the NBA playoffs, head coach Steve Kerr expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. Kerr, whose contract has expired, said he plans to take some time away before meeting with team ownership and management to discuss what's next. While Kerr made it clear he's not interested in coaching elsewhere, he acknowledged that 'these jobs all have an expiration date' and that 'new blood and new ideas' may be needed.

Why it matters

Kerr has been the Warriors' head coach since 2014, leading the team to three NBA championships. His departure would mark the end of an era for the franchise and could signal a shift in direction as they look to retool around superstar Stephen Curry.

The details

In his postgame comments, Kerr said he still loves coaching but wants to 'step back for a while' before meeting with Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob and head of basketball operations Mike Dunleavy to discuss the team's plans for the offseason and his own future. Kerr made it clear he's not interested in coaching elsewhere, saying 'I'm definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA.' However, he acknowledged that 'these jobs all have an expiration date' and that 'new blood and new ideas' may be needed.

  • The Warriors were eliminated from the NBA playoffs on April 18, 2026.

The players

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors since 2014, leading the team to three NBA championships.

Stephen Curry

The superstar point guard of the Golden State Warriors.

Draymond Green

A key member of the Golden State Warriors' championship teams.

Joe Lacob

The co-owner of the Golden State Warriors.

Mike Dunleavy

The head of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“I'm definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“I don't want to walk away from Steph.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

Kerr plans to meet with Warriors ownership and management in the coming weeks to discuss the team's plans for the offseason and his own future with the organization.

The takeaway

Steve Kerr's uncertain future with the Golden State Warriors raises questions about the direction of the franchise as they look to retool around Stephen Curry. Kerr's departure would mark the end of an era, but he remains open to continuing as head coach if the team and his vision align.