Steve Kerr says he wasn’t sure the Warriors still wanted him before signing new deal

SAN FRANCISCO — Oct. 14, 2026 — Steve Kerr has opened up about how close he came to walking away from the Golden State Warriors. Speaking with Frank Isola on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Wednesday, the Warriors coach said that when his last contract ran out this spring he was not certain he was still the right fit, or that the franchise wanted him back.

“I wasn’t sure if I was still the right person or whether they wanted me back,” Kerr said. “I think that’s kind of the reason I’m back too. We have such a great relationship between front office and management and coaching staff, players. So it just became an easy decision once everything clarified.”

Steve Kerr signed a new contract this off-season with the @Warriors

The head coach joined @TheFrankIsola and discussed what went into the decision to remain with Golden State

Catch Steve Kerr's full interview here: https://t.co/wpNmjkRYJu pic.twitter.com/QYMDL8Hbjx

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 14, 2026

From a possible split to a two-year deal

Kerr’s comments fill in the story behind a decision that hung over the Warriors for weeks. After Golden State’s season ended with a loss in Phoenix, Kerr acknowledged in mid-April that his time with the franchise could be coming to an end, and the two sides spent roughly three weeks weighing a split before agreeing on a new two-year contract. The team announced the signing on May 12, and the deal keeps Kerr on the bench through the 2027-28 season.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching this team,” Kerr said in the team’s announcement at the time, calling it “an incredible privilege to be a part of something so special.” General manager Mike Dunleavy said the Warriors were “thrilled that Steve’s tenure with the Warriors will continue,” adding that Kerr’s impact on the franchise has been “enormous, well beyond the championships and incredible on-court success.”

What a 13th season looks like

The new deal sends Kerr into his 13th season in charge. His run with the franchise has produced eight playoff appearances, six NBA Finals trips, including five straight from 2015 to 2019, and four championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

The relationships Kerr pointed to have been on display this fall. The Warriors locked in Brandin Podziemski with a five-year, $110 million extension this week, while Kristaps Porzingis has been meeting with the team’s medical staff with no return date set as opening night approaches next week. Kerr’s message on Wednesday was that the alignment between ownership, the front office, the staff and the locker room is what turned an uncertain spring into an easy call.

More on WhyNBA: Podziemski’s five-year extension and the latest on Porzingis.