Steve Kerr’s Late-Season Decision Reinforced His Future With Warriors

After more than a decade guiding the Golden State Warriors through championships, playoff battles and roster transitions, Steve Kerr believed the end of his coaching tenure was near. Entering the 2025-26 postseason, the longtime head coach reportedly felt emotionally exhausted by the demands of the NBA season and privately expected he would step away once the year concluded.

According to a detailed ESPN feature by Wright Thompson, Kerr entered Golden State’s Play-In matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers thinking there was a strong likelihood he would retire after the campaign. The emotional weight of coaching for 12 seasons, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the Warriors’ aging core, had left him questioning whether he still had the energy to continue.

The Warriors had spent much of the season battling inconsistency, injuries and mounting pressure in the highly competitive Western Conference. Even with stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green still leading the franchise, Golden State struggled to recapture the chemistry and rhythm that once made the organization one of the NBA’s defining dynasties.

Yet one memorable night in Los Angeles changed everything. What Kerr initially viewed as the possible closing chapter of his coaching career instead reignited his passion for the game and convinced him that his journey with the Warriors was not finished.

1. Kerr Confronted Burnout During Difficult Season

Kerr’s internal doubts reportedly grew steadily throughout the season as the Warriors fought to remain competitive. While Golden State still possessed experienced veterans and championship pedigree, the emotional edge that defined the team’s dynasty years had become harder to maintain over the course of a demanding NBA schedule. Before the Play-In game against the Clippers, Kerr admitted he believed the Warriors’ championship identity had faded. The emotional connection and energy that once fueled deep postseason runs no longer felt as strong, leading him to privately tell Thompson, “I think it’s over.” The uncertainty extended beyond basketball strategy or roster construction. Kerr openly wrestled with the idea of walking away from a profession that had shaped much of his daily life for over a decade. The relentless travel, media attention and pressure of coaching had taken a noticeable toll. At the same time, Kerr acknowledged how difficult retirement would be emotionally. Despite the fatigue, he still loved the routines surrounding coaching — team meetings, preparation, competition and the relationships formed inside the organization. Leaving behind something so central to his identity created a complicated emotional conflict as the season approached its conclusion.

2. Curry’s Return Sparked New Energy Around Warriors

The atmosphere surrounding the Warriors reportedly shifted once Curry returned late in the regular season. His presence immediately brought renewed confidence and energy to a team that had struggled to maintain consistency during stretches without him. Thompson described how Curry’s return reminded Kerr of the organization’s championship years. Practices regained intensity, the locker room atmosphere improved and the team once again displayed flashes of the chemistry that defined Golden State’s most successful era. Kerr himself appeared deeply affected by the emotional revival. During a walk with his wife, Margot, he reportedly questioned how he could leave while still coaching one of the greatest players in NBA history. The thought of stepping away from Curry — a player with whom he had shared multiple championships and unforgettable moments — became increasingly difficult. That renewed belief carried directly into the Warriors’ critical matchup against the Clippers. Kerr reportedly spent the days leading up to the game repeatedly telling people around him, “It’s on,” signaling that he sensed something special building within the team despite the pressure surrounding the elimination contest.

3. Emotional Clippers Victory Changed Kerr’s Mind

The Play-In game itself became one of the most emotional victories of Kerr’s coaching career. Golden State faced multiple deficits against a talented Clippers team but responded with the resilience and composure that once defined the franchise during its championship peak. Curry delivered key late baskets, including a decisive three-pointer, while Draymond Green anchored the defense during critical stretches. Veteran forward Al Horford also contributed important plays as the Warriors rallied late to secure a dramatic 126-121 victory in Los Angeles. For Kerr, the game represented more than simply advancing in postseason competition. The energy, execution and togetherness displayed by the Warriors reminded him of the identity that had originally made the franchise special. After the win, Kerr described the performance in emotional terms, saying the team felt like champions again, even if only for one night. Inside the locker room afterward, Kerr informed Thompson that he no longer planned to retire. His wife reportedly reached the same conclusion independently, later sending him a text message stating, “You’re not leaving.” Not long after, Kerr finalized a two-year, $35 million extension that made him the NBA’s highest-paid coach, confirming that one unforgettable victory had reshaped his future with the Warriors.