Steve Kerr wrapped up his 12th season as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors following the team’s play-in tournament loss to the Phoenix Suns. In 12 years at the helm, Kerr has delivered four NBA championships and led the team to six NBA Finals appearances.
Kerr’s contract expired at the end of the 2025-26 season, and no extension has been discussed yet. According to Monte Poole of NBCS, the odds of Kerr returning are between 15% and 20%.
“If I had to put odds on Steve coming back, I’d say the chance of him coming back are like 15%, 20%. I think the likelihood is that he leaves,” Poole said. “At this stage, I would say ‘If the door is over there, he’s looking at that door, and he’s walking toward it’ . . . Can he turn around and turn back? Yeah, but the odds of that are slim.”
In recent days, potential replacement options for Steve Kerr have also emerged in the media. Let’s look at five options for the Golden State Warriors to succeed the winningest coach in the franchise’s history.
5 Potential Steve Kerr Replacements For The Golden State Warriors
1) Mike Brown
Mike Brown served as Steve Kerr’s top assistant from 2016-2022, winning three championships with the team in 2017, 2018 and 2022. After Kerr missed some time during the playoffs in 2017, Brown led them to a 12-0 record.
His defensive expertise proved key in transforming Golden State’s defense during their title runs, and his familiarity with Kerr’s system makes him the ideal fit. If Brown fails to lead the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals this season, a return to the Bay Area could be worth looking into.
2) Terry Stotts
Steve Kerr’s assistant coach, Terry Stotts, would also be a potential candidate if the Golden State Warriors wish for internal continuity. Stotts is known for his skill in offense-first systems that enhance space for shooters and address defensive gaps, making him a potential coaching candidate for the roster that Golden State currently fields.
3) Luke Walton
Luke Walton served as the Warriors’ interim coach at the start of the 2015-16 season, leading them to a 24-0 start and an overall record of 39-4. His motion offense and emphasis on pace would greatly benefit Steph Curry.
Furthermore, having served as an assistant to Steve Kerr, Walton has a deep understanding of the team’s playing philosophy. Over the past decade, he has served as the head coach of the Lakers and the Kings.
4) Sam Cassell
Having played for Golden State during his career, Sam Cassell would be another potential candidate for the Warriors. The Celtics’ assistant coach has won four titles and is known for mentoring guards like Tyrese Maxey and John Wall.
Bringing him to the Bay could enhance the Warriors’ backcourt efficiency, which has been key for the team in its title runs behind Curry and Klay Thompson.
5) Todd Golden
Florida head coach Todd Golden has been touted as a potential replacement for Kerr, should he choose to leave, with reports indicating that the Lacob family has a “relationship” with the coach. He holds a 160-77 overall record as a head coach and led the Gators to the NCAA Championship in 2025.
His modern playing philosophy and emphasis on player growth align with Kerr’s, making him a potential option for the Dubs.
Read More: Steph Curry Sends Clear Message to Warriors Front Office About Steve Kerr’s Future
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