Could This Be Steve Kerr’s Final Season with the Warriors? If So, Who’s Next?
Steve Kerr’s seat in Golden State is getting warmer by the day. The Warriors are stuck in a rut, and with the losses piling up and the offense looking more out of sync than it has in years, there’s a growing sense around the league that this might be Kerr’s final ride as the head coach of the franchise he helped turn into a dynasty.
And now, with internal frustrations surfacing - including a leaked email from team owner Joe Lacob that hinted at dissatisfaction with the coaching - the question isn’t just if a change is coming, but when. Kerr’s contract is up at the end of the season, and unless this team finds its rhythm and makes a serious postseason push, the writing could be on the wall for a mutual parting of ways.
Let’s be clear: Kerr’s legacy in the Bay is untouchable. Four championships, countless playoff runs, and a revolutionary brand of basketball that changed the NBA. But legacies don’t always guarantee job security - especially when a team built to win now suddenly looks like it’s running on fumes.
So if the Warriors do decide to turn the page, who could be next in line to lead this storied franchise? Here are three names that make sense for very different reasons.
Jerry Stackhouse: The In-House Option
If the Warriors want stability and a familiar face, Jerry Stackhouse could be the guy. He’s already on staff, having joined as an assistant in 2024, and he brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and his time coaching at the college and pro levels.
Stackhouse is a respected voice in the locker room, and that matters when you’ve got veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green still anchoring the team. He wouldn’t be a seismic shift in philosophy or culture - more of a continuation with a slightly new twist. Think of him as a bridge between eras: someone who understands the current roster but could also help usher in the next phase of Warriors basketball.
If the goal is to keep the core happy while trying to retool on the fly, Stackhouse is a name worth watching.
Todd Golden: The College Star with Bay Area Roots
Now, if the Warriors decide it’s time to look ahead - to build something new around their young talent - Todd Golden could be an intriguing fit.
Golden just led the University of Florida to a national title in 2025, and he did it with a roster that included current Warriors rookie Will Richard. That connection alone makes him an interesting candidate, especially if the franchise is ready to shift toward player development and long-term growth.
But there’s more to the story. Golden has deep Bay Area ties - he coached at the University of San Francisco and played college ball at Saint Mary’s. He knows the region, the culture, and the expectations that come with coaching in this market.
Of course, jumping from college to the NBA is no small feat. Earning the trust of Curry, managing big personalities like Draymond and Jimmy Butler - that’s a tall order for a first-time NBA head coach.
Golden might be better suited for a full rebuild scenario, where he can grow alongside a young core. But if the Warriors are ready to pivot in that direction, he’s a name that checks a lot of boxes.
Mark Jackson: A Familiar Face for a Final Chapter
Here’s one that would get fans talking: what if the Warriors brought back Mark Jackson?
He was the coach who helped lay the foundation for the dynasty, and he still has the respect of key players like Curry and Green. Bringing him back for one last run - especially if this is indeed the final chapter of Curry’s career - could be a poetic full-circle moment.
Of course, there’s history here. Jackson’s exit from Golden State wasn’t exactly smooth, and his relationship with ownership - particularly Lacob - has been strained ever since. A reunion would likely only happen if Curry and the locker room pushed hard for it.
But if the goal is to send off this era with a sense of familiarity and unity, Jackson’s return would certainly bring a unique energy to the sidelines.
What Comes Next?
Right now, nothing is official. Kerr is still the head coach, and the Warriors still have time to turn this season around. But the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
If this season ends in disappointment - whether that’s a missed playoff berth or a quick postseason exit - the franchise may have no choice but to consider a new voice. And with Kerr’s contract set to expire, the decision could come down to whether both sides see a future together or agree it’s time for a fresh start.
One thing’s for sure: change feels closer than ever in Golden State. And if it comes, the next head coach will have the unenviable task of following a legend - while trying to write the next great chapter in Warriors basketball.