Steve Kerr Returns to Lead the Warriors as Team Faces Rebuilding

Steve Kerr signed a two-year extension to remain head coach of the Golden State Warriors after the 2025-26 season ended with a 37-45 record and a play-in loss to the Phoenix Suns. Kerr said he “couldn’t be more excited to continue on this job.”

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Golden State finished 10th in the West, entered the play-in tournament, and beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 at the Intuit Dome. Stephen Curry scored 35 points (27 in the second half); Al Horford hit four three-pointers in the final minute and Draymond Green posted a defensive stand against Kawhi Leonard. Two days later the Warriors were eliminated by Phoenix.

Steve Kerr’s return doesn’t solve Warriors uncertainty

The core includes head coach Steve Kerr, star guard Stephen Curry (38), forward Draymond Green (36) and veteran Al Horford (40). General manager Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob oversaw roster decisions. Injured veterans Jimmy Butler (ACL) and Moses Moody (torn patellar tendon) missed most of the season; both have player-option decisions pending.

Warriors admit needing ‘younger legs’ as early draft pick looms – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The Warriors posted a 37-45 record, averaged 15.7 turnovers per game (third-worst in the league), and accumulated 14,246 turnovers over Kerr’s 12-year tenure. The team holds the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Steve Kerr’s return doesn’t solve Warriors uncertainty

Kerr admitted “I didn’t have a great coaching year” and said the squad “got a little too loose,” promising to “tighten the ship” and improve discipline. Dunleavy called the campaign “pretty underwhelming,” citing injuries as the primary obstacle and stressing the need for “younger legs.” Lacob affirmed the front office will explore all options with the draft pick.

Associated Press

Analysts have pointed to Kerr’s limited development of recent lottery picks such as Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, and to the team’s high turnover rate as systemic weaknesses.

Warriors fans won't fully buy Steve Kerr’s promise to fix major problem

Retaining Kerr provides continuity while the franchise pivots to a rebuilding model that emphasizes reducing turnovers, adding younger players, and preserving a competitive window for Curry and Green.

Moore: Steve Kerr is back, but Warriors still must reinvent themselves. Here’s how.

Dunleavy attributes the missed playoffs chiefly to injuries, while Kerr highlights turnover issues and lax discipline, leaving the primary cause of the season’s failure unresolved.

ESPN

• “You might coach again someday, but you'll never coach the Warriors again.” — Steve Kerr, recalling his wife Margot’s comment.

USA Today

• “And we got a little loose and that's my job.” — Steve Kerr.

Why Steve Kerr ‘couldn’t imagine’ walking away from Warriors

• “One of the strong points of our organization is that our best player, who is one of the greatest players in the history of the game, is not telling Mike or Joe what to do," Kerr said.” — Steve Kerr.

ESPN

• “We need some younger legs for sure,” — Steve Kerr.

Warriors admit needing ‘younger legs’ as early draft pick looms – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The Warriors will use the 11th pick in the 2026 draft, assess free-agent interest in Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, and await Draymond Green’s player-option decision by June 29. Roster moves and rookie integration will shape the next two seasons.

Steve Kerr’s return doesn’t solve Warriors uncertainty