Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has reached a significant milestone in his career by agreeing to a two-year contract extension worth $35 million, as disclosed by two sources familiar with the negotiations.
The agreement, which has not been formally signed by Kerr yet, was revealed on Friday by ESPN, with credit to Kerr’s representatives at Priority Sports. If finalized, this extension would set a new benchmark for annual coaching contracts in the NBA.
Kerr, who is currently in his 10th season with the Warriors, was approaching the end of his existing contract, which was set to conclude after the current season. Despite the looming deadline, Kerr maintained his focus on the ongoing season, reiterating his intention to continue coaching the team.
Throughout his tenure, Kerr, 58, has achieved remarkable success, including four NBA championships, steering a roster filled with star players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. Recently marking his 500th win, Kerr’s leadership has been instrumental in Golden State’s dominance in the league.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract status, Kerr remained unfazed, emphasizing his commitment to coaching both the Warriors and the USA Basketball team in the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, he has clarified that he won’t continue in the USA Basketball role beyond the next Olympic cycle.
The reported average annual value of $17.5 million would establish Kerr as the highest-paid coach in the NBA in terms of average salary. While other coaches may have larger total contract values, Kerr’s extension signifies a significant investment by the Warriors in his leadership.
Kerr’s coaching journey hasn’t been without challenges, notably his health issues, including complications from back surgeries that forced him to take a leave of absence during the 2015-2016 season. Despite such setbacks, Kerr’s coaching prowess has been evident, with assistant coaches stepping in admirably during his absences.
The financial terms of Kerr’s extension underscore the esteem in which he’s held by the Warriors organization and the league as a whole. Notably, the extension ensures Kerr’s presence at the helm of the Warriors until 2025-26, coinciding with the final season of Stephen Curry’s contract.
With a winning percentage surpassing many legendary coaches, Kerr’s impact on the Warriors’ success cannot be overstated. His impressive postseason record further solidifies his place among the coaching greats, with a winning percentage in playoff games that ranks as the best in NBA history.
In extending Kerr’s contract, the Warriors have secured not only a proven leader but also a cornerstone of their continued success in the years to come.
