Steve Kerr Returns to Golden State Warriors as Senior Coaching Advisor: A Stunning Turn of Events
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, Steve Kerr, the iconic former head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has made a sensational return to the franchise—this time not as the head coach, but as a Senior Coaching Advisor. The announcement was made just minutes ago via a joint statement by team owner Joe Lacob and General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., confirming months of quiet speculation behind the scenes.
Kerr, who stepped down from his head coaching role at the end of the 2024–25 season after nearly a decade of historic success, had been enjoying a brief sabbatical from basketball. Sources close to the situation reveal that Kerr spent the early months of 2025 traveling across Europe, mentoring youth players in Spain and conducting leadership seminars in Italy. His return was not anticipated, especially given how resolutely he had emphasized stepping away to “recharge and refocus.”
Yet the Warriors organization remained in flux following a disappointing playoff exit this season. The front office, hungry for a new competitive edge, quietly reached out to Kerr in late June, proposing a hybrid role that would allow him to shape the team’s long-term identity without the day-to-day grind of head coaching.
“This is about legacy and continuity,” Kerr said in a press conference held at Chase Center this afternoon, standing alongside Lacob and new head coach Jama Mahlalela. “The Warriors are family. I’m not back to take over. I’m here to guide, advise, and help nurture the next era of greatness.”
Mahlalela, the former Raptors assistant coach who stepped into the Warriors head coaching job just six weeks ago, welcomed the move. “Having Steve in the building is like having basketball royalty in your corner. He knows this system, these players, and this culture better than anyone. I’m thrilled to work with him.”
Kerr’s return has already sparked excitement among current and former players. Stephen Curry, long considered Kerr’s closest ally during their championship run, posted a simple three-word tweet: “He’s back. Wow.” Draymond Green, meanwhile, praised the move on his podcast, calling Kerr’s influence “immeasurable.”
As Senior Coaching Advisor, Kerr will work across multiple departments. He’ll be instrumental in mentoring younger coaches, advising Mahlalela on strategic development, and working with the front office on draft evaluation and player development. His role also includes periodic on-court involvement, though not in an official assistant coach capacity.
For Warriors fans, this marks a compelling new chapter. The man who architected one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history is once again lacing up—if only metaphorically—to help shape what comes next. While Kerr has ruled out a return to full-time coaching, insiders suggest that his voice will carry enormous weight in major basketball decisions.
In a league increasingly obsessed with analytics and innovation, the Warriors are betting on something more intangible: wisdom, culture, and leadership. And in Steve Kerr, they’ve found a guiding light who knows how to win—again.
