The Golden State Warriors have not made a coaching change. Steve Kerr is still in place, and no decision on his future has been made publicly. But the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, combined with a 37-45 season that ended without a playoff appearance, has been enough to get the coaching carousel moving around Golden State.
The Warriors finished with one of the more disappointing records in the Western Conference this past season. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are all entering the final years of their respective contracts in 2026-27. The urgency to get things right this offseason is real.
And apparently, at least one veteran coach has already taken notice.
Report Links Billy Donovan to Warriors Job
GettyFormer Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is reportedly keeping close tabs on the Warriors’ coaching situation. The report suggests Donovan is waiting to see whether the Golden State job becomes available before committing to his next move. Mannix noted that the Warriors’ status as a veteran, win-now roster may be particularly appealing to him.
It is worth treating this with some caution. Kerr has not left. Nothing about this situation is official or imminent. What the report does suggest is that Donovan sees Golden State as his preferred destination if the opportunity presents itself.
Donovan, 60, brings over a decade of NBA head coaching experience. He spent six seasons leading the Bulls after a stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing his Chicago tenure with a 226-256 record, one winning season, and one playoff appearance. He stepped away from the Bulls earlier this month as the organization began a full rebuild.
Why the Warriors Would Make Sense for Donovan
The fit has some logic to it on paper. Donovan has experience managing veteran rosters and navigating the expectations that come with win-now environments. Golden State, should Kerr depart, would be looking for someone capable of stepping in immediately and commanding the respect of a locker room that includes Curry and Green.
There has also been peripheral mention of Donovan potentially returning to the college ranks, though league sources have indicated that would only be a last resort if no suitable NBA opportunity emerged.
Final Word
None of this moves forward until Kerr makes his decision. That conversation with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy has not happened yet, and until it does, everything else is noise.
What is clear is that the Warriors’ situation is being watched closely around the league. Donovan is apparently one of those watching.
The job may not even open. But if it does, Donovan appears to be paying close attention.
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