Steve Kerr has taken his share of heat this season. Warriors fans, especially the diehards who live and breathe every possession, have been vocal about his rotations, late-game decisions, and who’s getting minutes when it matters most. That’s part of the job when you’re coaching a team with championship expectations and a fanbase that knows what greatness looks like.
But while the noise around Kerr has grown louder at times, the broader sports world still sees him through a different lens. In a recent poll conducted among 100 figures across the sports industry, Kerr was named the most admired leader in all of sports.
Right behind him? His longtime floor general, Stephen Curry.
That kind of recognition speaks volumes. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day frustrations of a tough season - especially when the team isn’t looking like its dominant self. But zoom out, and the picture is clearer: Steve Kerr is one of the most respected minds in the game, not just because of his résumé, but because of the way he leads.
Let’s not forget what that résumé looks like. Nine NBA titles - five as a player, four as a coach - and a central role in two of the most iconic dynasties in league history.
Yes, he played alongside Michael Jordan. Yes, he’s coached Stephen Curry.
But success at that level doesn’t happen just because of who you’re standing next to. Kerr’s ability to manage personalities, adapt to changing rosters, and keep the locker room steady through highs and lows is a big reason why the Warriors have been able to sustain their run.
And it’s not just basketball people who are paying attention. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni recently mentioned how he draws inspiration from Kerr’s leadership style, particularly his emphasis on joy - a core principle Kerr has preached throughout his tenure.
They’ve never even met, but the influence is there. That’s the kind of reach Kerr has - across sports, across locker rooms, across philosophies.
Now, it’s true: the Warriors don’t look like the same juggernaut they once were. Kerr himself has acknowledged that this is a “fading dynasty.”
But even if the championship window is closing, the legacy is already secure. What Golden State built - and what Kerr helped guide - will be studied for years to come.
Few teams in NBA history have sustained that level of excellence over such a long stretch. Fewer coaches have managed the egos, the injuries, the roster turnover, and still kept the culture intact.
Think back to the 2019-20 season. The Warriors were at rock bottom - no Kevin Durant, no Klay Thompson, Steph sidelined, and a roster that wasn’t built to compete.
They finished with the worst record in the league. Two years later, they were back on top, beating the Boston Celtics in the Finals and proving that the dynasty wasn’t dead - just reloading.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen without a steady hand at the helm. Kerr provided that, just like he’s done through every chapter of this Warriors run.
So while it’s easy to question the decisions in the moment - and fans certainly have that right - it’s worth remembering the bigger picture. Kerr won’t be on the sidelines forever.
And when the day comes that he steps away, the appreciation might hit a little differently. Because love him or critique him, Steve Kerr has been one of the most influential and admired figures in modern sports - and that’s not just coming from Warriors fans.
That’s coming from the entire sports world.