Steve Kerr Said "I Was Leaving," Signed 2 More Years: 13th Season at Warriors Guaranteed — Historic Decision After Play-In Loss

The most emotional story of recent weeks in the NBA world played out. Golden State Warriors' 12-year head coach Steve Kerr officially announced he's staying with the team with a new two-year contract for the 2026-27 season. The 60-year-old Kerr had said in early May after a 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns who eliminated the Lakers: "I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date." With this statement, he was said to be 95% certain of retirement. But after three weeks of meetings with Joe Lacob (Warriors CEO) and Mike Dunleavy (general manager), Kerr decided "I'll continue."

Kerr won 4 NBA championships during his Warriors tenure: 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. Together with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, he built one of the most memorable dynasties in NBA history. With his $17.5 million annual salary, he'll remain the NBA's highest-paid coach. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne reports, the contract negotiations began on April 24 and an official agreement was reached on May 9.

Kerr's statement is extremely emotional. In his official statement via NBA.com, Kerr said: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching this team. This organization has meant so much to me over 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." The "13th season" emphasis in Kerr's words is important — this could be Curry's final season at the Warriors (his contract ends after 2026-27).

Kerr's return is a major strategic win for the Warriors. It means a coach who will preserve the team's identity for Stephen Curry's potentially final season. In ESPN's NBA offseason analysis, if the Warriors enter the market to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or another star, Kerr's experience will play a major role. If the team rises into the top 4 at the NBA Draft Lottery, Kerr and Dunleavy will face the main decision — to take a high-ceiling young player and invest in his development, or use the pick in a trade.

Kerr's new contract extending to the end of the 2027-28 season is a strategic decision for the Warriors to last another generation. As one of the most respected coaches in NBA history, Kerr is known for his defensive flexibility, offensive architecture, and deep relationships built with his players. With Curry, Klay Thompson (even if his club has changed) and Draymond Green in the final act of their careers, the Warriors' chance of remaining a winning club in the Western Conference is kept alive by Kerr's experience. The upcoming season could be a turning point shaping the NBA's future.

Source: Based on reports from NBC Sports Bay Area, ESPN, NBA.com, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report on Steve Kerr's Warriors extension contract.