After the Golden State Warriors fell out of playoff contention, rumors started to surface around 12-year head coach Steve Kerr.
Following the 2025-26 season, Kerr is now a free agent and is likely to make his decision on returning in the coming weeks.
With that in mind, if he were to depart, who are some of the names that could replace the 604-win coach?
Just like Steve Kerr, Sam Cassell was a 15-year NBA veteran. The point guard won three championships as a player and has made a name for himself as one of the most respected assistant coaches in the association. Cassell won his first championship as an assistant with the Celtics during the 2023-24 season. Additionally, Cassell would be a great candidate to work alongside star point guard Stephen Curry. In his career as an assistant, he's gotten the best out of the guards he's worked with, including Tyrese Maxey, Chris Paul, John Wall and Bradley Beal.
After Taylor Jenkins was fired from the Memphis Grizzlies, he immediately became one of the top names on the market. Now that Michael Malone agreed to coach the UNC Tar Heels, Jenkins may be the most coveted name available. With a reputation for developing young talent, Jenkins could be the perfect hire to finish out the Curry era and transition into a youth-focused team.
It's no secret that the Warriors are focused on acquiring a big name in the offseason, with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of their list. Although Budenholzer's last job (Phoenix Suns) didn't work out quite so well, the 11-year head coach has put together nine winning seasons, including an NBA title during the 2020-21 season. That title, of course, came with Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Adding fuel to the fire, Antetokounmpo's teammate, Bobby Portis, recently revealed that the Greek forward is looking for a "Mike Budenholzer type of vibe" in Milwaukee's next coach. Could a move for Budenholzer be the first domino to fall in a possible Antetokounmpo trade?
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: 3 coaching candidates if Steve Kerr were to leave Golden State