The Golden State Warriors dynasty has faded from its once-glorious heights — and head coach Steve Kerr may be approaching the final chapter of his own remarkable run on the sidelines.
After the Warriors were ousted from playoff contention following their play-in tournament defeat, Kerr stood before reporters and addressed his uncertain future with a candor rarely seen from coaches in his position. Rather than deflect or dodge, he spoke openly about the natural lifespan of a coaching tenure — and what it might mean for his relationship with the franchise he has led for over a decade.
"We'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason. And we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next." — Steve Kerr, post-game press conference
He then went further, reflecting on the inevitable end that comes with every great run in professional sports — and how he would handle it if that moment had indeed arrived.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I still love coaching. But I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There's a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas. And if that's the case, then I will be nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have — to coach this franchise, in front of our fans in the Bay, and to coach Steph Curry and Draymond Green." — Steve Kerr
A private moment captured by an open mic
As the final buzzer sounded, Kerr shared a quiet, heartfelt exchange with Curry and Green — two players who have defined the Warriors' identity for years. When asked by reporters what he had said to his stars, he chose to keep it private. But an open microphone told the story anyway.
"I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I love you guys." — Steve Kerr, caught on a hot mic
"I don't want to walk away from Steph. I'm definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA. I would never walk away from Steph," he said. "But all this stuff has to be aligned and right. Those are all discussions that will be had."
The end of a dynasty — and what comes next
The current landscape is a far cry from the Warriors' dominant stretch of the 2010s, when the franchise made five consecutive NBA Finals appearances and claimed three championships. Their most recent title came in 2022, but since then, the team has missed the playoffs twice and was eliminated in the conference semifinals on two other occasions — a stark decline for an organization once considered virtually unbeatable.
Kerr took over as head coach in 2014 and wasted no time making his mark, winning the championship in his very first season. Before his coaching career, he had already built a legendary playing resume, earning five NBA titles — including appearances during the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat in the late 1990s.
Two legends facing an uncertain road ahead
Stephen Curry just wrapped up his 17th season in the league, cementing his reputation as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Draymond Green, his longtime running mate, now has 14 NBA seasons to his name — a career defined by elite defense, sharp playmaking, and an unmatched competitive fire.
Whatever decision is made this offseason, the chapter that Kerr, Curry, and Green wrote together stands as one of the most extraordinary in modern NBA history. And if this was indeed their final game together, the emotion on the court said everything that words could not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steve Kerr leaving the Golden State Warriors?
Steve Kerr has not officially confirmed his departure, but after the Warriors' 2025 play-in elimination he acknowledged that coaching positions have an "expiration date" and that discussions about his future will take place this offseason.
What did Steve Kerr say to Curry and Green after the game?
A hot microphone caught Kerr telling Curry and Green that he did not know what was going to happen next, but that he loved them — widely interpreted as a possible farewell.
Will Steve Kerr coach another NBA team next season?
Kerr stated clearly that he will not coach another NBA team next season, saying he would never walk away from Stephen Curry to join a different franchise.
How many championships has Steve Kerr won with the Warriors?
Steve Kerr won four NBA championships as Warriors head coach (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) and five more as a player, for a total of nine NBA titles across his career.