Steve Kerr isn't leaving the Golden State Warriors just yet. After weeks of speculation about his future with the franchise, the longtime head coach has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension, putting an end to the rumors that had swirled around the team following a disappointing season.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Kerr's new deal will make him the highest-paid coach in the NBA. The extension will keep him on the sidelines through the 2026-27 season, marking his 13th year with the Warriors. The news comes after a spring that saw Golden State miss the playoffs for the second time in three years, leading many to wonder if Kerr might seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Kerr took over as the Warriors' head coach in 2014, his first head coaching job in the league. What followed was nothing short of historic. Under his leadership, the franchise launched a dynasty-level run, winning four NBA championships and reaching the NBA Finals six times in eight seasons. In his first five years alone, the Warriors made it to the Finals every single time. The 2015-16 campaign was particularly memorable, as the team went 73-9—breaking the all-time wins record set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Notably, Kerr was a member of that Bulls team as a player, making the achievement even more poetic.
But the dynasty has shown signs of wear in recent years. This spring, the Warriors finished with a 37-45 record, missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The end of their final game was an emotional one, with Kerr sharing a heartfelt moment with stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green—the last remaining pillars of the championship era. "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death," Kerr was heard telling the duo on the court. "Thank you. Appreciate you."
After that play-in tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns, Kerr acknowledged that change might be on the horizon. He seemed at peace with that possibility. Kerr met with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy at the end of April, but the two sides were in no rush to make a decision. Now, with the extension in place, the Warriors' foundation remains intact—at least for two more seasons.