Steve Kerr’s Emotional Message to Steph Curry, Draymond Green After Warriors' Elimination

Zahid RashidSat, April 18, 2026 at 6:15 AM UTC

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Steve Kerr has been the head coach of the Golden State Warriors for well over a decade, but after a Play-In elimination loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday, the five-time champion acknowledged that every job has an expiration date as his future remains uncertain.

The Warriors endured one of the worst seasons of the Kerr era in 2025–26, finishing 37–45. Injuries played a major role, with Jimmy Butler suffering a season-ending injury and Stephen Curry appearing in just 43 games.

Curry briefly rediscovered his form to lead Golden State past the Los Angeles Clippers in the first Play-In game, but they fell 111–96 to Phoenix in the next. With Kerr’s contract set to expire, he shared an emotional moment on the sidelines with Curry and Draymond Green.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) embrace after the game against the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center. Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Kerr, Curry, and Green have been central to one another’s success, winning four championships together. As his future with the franchise remains unclear, Kerr appeared to take a moment that felt like a possible farewell.

"I don't know what's gonna happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you. I appreciate you," he told them, placing his hands on both players.

Earlier, ahead of the Play-In, Kerr had already hinted at the possibility of the end.

“This is an opportunity we might not ever get again,” he said. “We don’t know. We’re all at that stage where we have to be conscious of the finality that is possible. It’s just sort of unspoken.”

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Kerr signed a two-year extension in the summer of 2024, which expires after this season. There have been no new contract talks, and some reports suggest the 60-year-old could be leaning toward retirement.

But speaking postgame on Friday night, Kerr said he plans to take time before making any decision.

"My plan is to take a little time, take a week or two, and eventually sit down and talk with Joe [Lacob] and Mike [Dunleavy]," Kerr told reporters. "... Just see where they are, and I'll tell them where I am, and we'll talk about what's next for the Warriors, what the plan is this offseason, and we will come to a collaborative decision on what's next.

Kerr added that while he still loves coaching, he recognizes the job does not last forever. His decision may ultimately depend on whether the Warriors believe they can contend again, potentially requiring aggressive roster moves.

Regardless of his future, Golden State faces a busy offseason. Green, De’Anthony Melton, and Al Horford could decline their player options, while Kristaps Porzingis and Gary Payton II are set to become unrestricted free agents. Curry and Butler each have just one year remaining on their deals.

If this marks the end of Kerr’s tenure, he leaves as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, having guided the Warriors to six Finals appearances and four championships.

Related: Steve Kerr Addresses Coaching a Warriors Team Without Stephen Curry

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Sports”