It took a complete 180 for Steve Kerr to decide against retirement and to decide to continue coaching the Golden State Warriors.
This month, Kerr signed a multi-year contract to remain on the sideline in Golden State, but last month he had decided that he was ready to walk away.
Steve Kerr Did a 180 When it Came to His Final Retirement Decision
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors claps after a basket during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
In an extremely in-depth article for ESPN, Wright Thompson provided some serious insight into Kerr’s decision-making process. In the piece, Thompson revealed that Kerr had decided to retire prior to the Warriors’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Play-In Tournament, but their win in that game changed everything.
From Thompson:
Steve Kerr walked into the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire with a secret. Win or lose, he’d decided to retire as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. It was a Tuesday morning in mid-April, the day before the team’s first postseason play-in game in Los Angeles. When this season ended, his 12-year run with the Golden State Warriors would end, too.
After the Play-In win over the Clippers, though, Kerr shared the following message: “I’m not leaving.”
Kerr clearly still has the competitive spirit, and signing a new deal with the Warriors will allow him to continue to coach Steph Curry until they’re both ready to ride off into the sunset together.
Steve Kerr Excited and Grateful to Continue on as Warriors Head Coach
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 25: Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to the media during a press conference after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
After his new contract with the Warriors was officially announced, Kerr broke his silence on the situation with a statement that expressed both gratitude and excitement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching this team,” Kerr said. “This organization has meant so much to me for the last 12 years – from ownership to our players, our staff and our fans – and it’s an incredible privilege to be a part of something so special. I’m excited to keep competing with this group.”
It remains to be seen exactly what the roster is going to look like in Golden State next season, as the Warriors have several key contributors headed for free agency. As a result, big changes could be coming, but at least there will be coaching continuity.
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