Steve Kerr signs two-year contract to remain Golden State Warriors coach

Steve Kerr has agreed a new two-year contract to remain as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, extending his tenure into a 13th season.

The agreement ensures the 58-year-old will remain the highest-paid coach in the NBA, having earned $17.5m (£13.7m) during the previous campaign.

Representatives from Priority Sports confirmed the extension on Saturday following three weeks of intensive deliberation.

The deal concludes multiple recent meetings between the head coach and Golden State’s management duo of owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy.

Navigating a turbulent campaign

This crucial contract extension secures established leadership for the closing stages of the Stephen Curry era in San Francisco.

However, an agreement was not a foregone conclusion following a highly challenging domestic campaign.

An injury-ravaged Golden State roster limped to a 37-45 record, finishing as the 10th seed in the competitive Western Conference.

Their turbulent season concluded with a disappointing play-in tournament elimination at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

‘Time for new blood’ averted

The long-serving tactician had previously hinted at a potential departure in October by opting to let the final year of his previous contract play out.

“I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date. There is a run that happens, and when the run ends, sometimes it’s time for new blood and new ideas.”

Steve Kerr following the Warriors’ play-in elimination

Despite the franchise hierarchy conducting preliminary research into potential successors, key figures across the organisation never truly desired a managerial change.

Curry provides crucial backing

Curry, who blossomed into a global superstar under the current regime, made his feelings emphatically clear following their early post-season exit.

“I want Coach to be happy. I want him to be excited about the job. I want him to believe he’s the right guy for the job. He knows how I feel about him. That shouldn’t even need to be said.”

Stephen Curry on his head coach

The coaching stalwart was originally hired in May 2014 in what was initially viewed as a controversial decision to replace his popular predecessor Mark Jackson.

That bold structural change altered the team’s offensive philosophy and immediately sparked a historic dynasty that has defined modern basketball.