Warriors' Steve Kerr Unsure About Future After Play-in Loss

Longtime Golden State coach says he's not sure if he'll return next season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:04am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court reduced to angular, abstracted forms in a vibrant color palette of golden yellow, royal blue, and crimson red.The Warriors' season ends in a play-in tournament loss, raising questions about the future of the franchise and its longtime coach.San Francisco Today

After the Golden State Warriors' season-ending loss in the NBA play-in tournament, head coach Steve Kerr expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. Kerr, who has coached the Warriors for the past 12 seasons, said he plans to meet with team ownership and management to discuss what's next for the franchise and whether he will return as head coach.

Why it matters

Kerr's future is a critical question for the Warriors as they look to rebound from a disappointing season and transition into the next era of the franchise. His departure would mark the end of an era that saw the Warriors win three championships and reach the NBA Finals five times under Kerr's leadership.

The details

In the aftermath of the Warriors' 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Kerr embraced star players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the sideline and told them he wasn't sure what the future holds. Kerr's contract expires this offseason, and he said he plans to take some time to gather his thoughts before meeting with team owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the team's plans. Kerr acknowledged that 'these jobs all have an expiration date' and that 'there's a run that happens, and when the run ends sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas.'

  • The Warriors' season ended on Friday, April 17, 2026 with the loss to the Suns.
  • Kerr's contract with the Warriors expires this offseason.

The players

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors for the past 12 seasons, leading the team to three NBA championships and five Finals appearances.

Stephen Curry

The star point guard of the Golden State Warriors, who has played under Kerr's coaching for his entire NBA career.

Draymond Green

The veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors, who has also played his entire career under Kerr's coaching.

Joe Lacob

The owner of the Golden State Warriors.

Mike Dunleavy

The general manager of the Golden State Warriors.

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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. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“After laying it all on the line for as long as we did in this game, that was kind of a jolt of a message. But he left the door open.”

— Stephen Curry, Point Guard, Golden State Warriors

“Just appreciating this year, all the years we've been together. It may be the last time, so just to have a moment was good.”

— Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

Kerr plans to take a week or two to gather his thoughts before meeting with team owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to discuss the team's plans for the offseason and whether Kerr will return as head coach next season.

The takeaway

Kerr's uncertain future with the Warriors raises questions about the franchise's direction as it looks to rebound from a disappointing season. His departure would mark the end of an era that saw the team reach unprecedented heights, but it could also open the door for new ideas and a fresh start. The Warriors' core players, including Curry and Green, have expressed a desire for Kerr to return, but ultimately the decision will come down to what's best for the team moving forward.