The Golden State Warriors apparently view college coach Todd Golden as their dream target if Steve Kerr chooses to leave the team this offseason. Kerr’s contract expires, and rumors are circulating that he may either leave coaching or try his luck with another franchise. If the legendary Warriors head coach leaves, the team will need a strong candidate to coach the final years of Stephen Curry’s iconic career.
Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor reported the following news about Golden being considered:
“If Steve Kerr leaves, the Warriors will pursue Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden, according to my league sources.
Golden is the coach that they’re targeting, and that’s in part because the Lacob family has a relationship with him. Golden was the head coach of the San Francisco Dons for three years before he went to Florida and won a national title there.
They, they’ve been together. They’ve, they’ve had lunches together. Those guys know each other, and Golden is, is a very, very talented young head coach. And so, I think for the Warriors, Golden would be near the top of their list, if not at the top of the list.”
Golden would have to leave a sweet coaching gig with the Florida Gators in favor of chasing the NBA dream. O’Connor revealed that Warriors owner Joe Lacob has a relationship with Golden to make him their dream target if they are forced to replace Kerr.
Steve Kerr Still Has First Chance To Stay
Golden State will likely still prefer to have Kerr return since he’s been among the best coaches in the league since joining 12 years ago. The Warriors instantly moved up in the West and won the NBA Championship in Kerr’s first season coaching the team.
Players like Curry and Draymond Green have a familiarity with Kerr that can’t be easily replicated. Golden State’s dream scenario would likely see Kerr returning and coaching for the rest of the tenure with Curry as the face of the franchise.
A new coach changing the team’s identity is a risky move with multiple all-time great franchise veterans on the roster. O’Connor’s report confirms that the strong interest in Golden is dependent on Kerr not returning and a backup plan.
Adding A New Coach From College Is Risky
Golden has zero NBA coaching experience to add the risk factor that all teams taking the chance on college coaches must gamble on. Accolades of the 2025 National Championship and 2026 SEC Coach of the Year does show his ability to coach effectively.
However, the Warriors would be banking on these same methods that worked with teenagers winning over NBA greats in their 30s. Golden will have immense pressure on him to contend in Curry’s final seasons after Golden State wasted his strong play this year.
The next Warriors coach must get the full potential out of younger talents like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post to make the situation work. Golden State could trade for one more star, but they are still hindered by varying limitations to make it hard to improve the roster quickly.
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