The Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the NBA season with a 111–96 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, shifting attention to the future of head coach Steve Kerr.
Kerr’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he has hinted at retirement multiple times throughout the year. He added to the speculation after Friday’s game when he shared an emotional moment with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the sidelines, telling them:
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I love you guys to death.”
While Kerr left the door open for a return next season, he also acknowledged that every coaching tenure has an expiration date and said he plans to take a break before discussing his future with the front office.
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Curry was aware of the uncertainty and reiterated that he wants Kerr back for the 2026–27 season. However, he admitted the sideline exchange felt unusual.
“I was kinda fighting it to be honest. For it to start with that conversation and that moment, it was definitely weird. We’re human beings and we have to be able to acknowledge each other in that moment, but I don’t know if that’s a signal of anything,” Curry said postgame.
Steph on the moment he shared with Steve Kerr:
"I was kinda fighting it to be honest. For it to start with that conversation and that moment, it was definitely weird. We're human beings and we have to be able to acknowledge each other in that moment, but I don't know if that's a… pic.twitter.com/KVdUpO1MEo— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 18, 2026
Kerr, meanwhile, spoke highly of Curry, calling it an honor to coach one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
“To coach Steph Curry who is undoubtedly the greatest face of a franchise that I’ve ever seen in any sport,” he said. “He just lets me coach him and he wants to be coached and he’s just an incredible partner and collaborator. The only thing I’ve learned is that I’m really blessed.”
The 60-year-old also made it clear that he would not coach elsewhere, stating that if he returns next season, it would only be with Golden State. “I would never walk away from Steph,” he added.
Kerr signed a two-year extension in 2024, and there have been no reports of new contract talks. With the Warriors coming off one of their most disappointing seasons under Kerr, finishing 37–45, questions about his future are understandable. The team has failed to advance past the conference semifinals in two of the last four seasons and missed the playoffs entirely in the other two.
However, as long as Curry remains on the roster, the Warriors are expected to push for contention. Kerr is likely to remain a key part of that effort, especially if the front office is willing to invest future draft capital to strengthen the roster.
Related: Steve Kerr Addresses Coaching a Warriors Team Without Stephen Curry