Golden State Warriors’ Uncertain Future: Steve Kerr and Steph Curry

The Golden State Warriors face an uncertain future as head coach Steve Kerr enters the final year of his contract, with his future in San Francisco unclear following another season that ended without playoff success.

After finishing the regular season with a 37-45 record and losing 111-96 to the Phoenix Suns in the SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 18, 2026, the Warriors concluded their campaign without reaching the postseason for the fourth time in the last seven seasons. Kerr acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his role, stating after the loss that he would take time to consider his future with the team.

Kerr is in the final year of a two-year, $35 million extension he agreed to with the Warriors in 2024. Neither he nor the team’s front office have entered into negotiations for a new contract during the current season, with Kerr indicating they will wait until the end of the year to discuss his future.

“If it’s meant to be for me to keep going, then I’m going to keep going. And if it’s meant to be for the team to move on to somebody else, there will be nothing but gratitude and appreciation,” Kerr said regarding his potential departure.

The Warriors’ recent struggles have raised questions about the sustainability of their dynasty. The team has failed to win 50 games in a single season since 2021-22, and the core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green continues to age. Kerr’s 12-year tenure has included six NBA Finals appearances and four championships, but the franchise now faces a pivotal moment as it evaluates its direction.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both expressed their desire for Kerr to return, emphasizing their personal relationships with the coach. Curry said he wants Kerr to “be happy,” “be excited about the job,” and “believe he’s the right guy for the job.” Green, when asked if he could envision the Warriors without Kerr, stated, “I just don’t deal with change well. I don’t love it.”

Following the elimination game, Kerr shared an embrace with Curry and Green, during which he told them, “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you.” The moment was described as emotional, potentially marking the final interaction between the trio in their current roles.

Kerr has acknowledged the reality that coaching positions in professional sports come with limitations, telling reporters, “I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date.” His comments reflect an understanding that transitions are inevitable, even for successful franchises.

As the Warriors enter the offseason, the organization must address multiple questions beyond Kerr’s future, including how to maintain competitiveness during the latter stages of Stephen Curry’s career. The front office will need to evaluate roster construction, player development, and potential strategic shifts to remain relevant in the Western Conference.

For now, Kerr’s immediate plans involve stepping away from the immediate demands of the season to reflect on his future. Whether he returns for a 13th season with the Warriors or pursues other opportunities remains unresolved, leaving one of the NBA’s most prominent coaching figures in a state of professional uncertainty as the 2025-26 season concludes.