Warriors predicted to replace Steve Kerr with fiery NCAA champion, SEC Coach of the Year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden State Warriors were just one win away from making the playoffs but fell short, losing to the Phoenix Suns. After the loss, it immediately became a possibility that it could have been Steve Kerr’s final game as head coach in Golden State.
“I don't know what's going to happen," Kerr said. "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."
While that doesn’t signal the end, it does open the door to the possibility. One of Kerr’s longtime players, Draymond Green, recently admitted he doesn’t have a great feeling about the coach returning.
“I hope he's our coach next season," Green said. "You want my opinion? I think not. Just because it feels like that. It felt like that was it.”
The Warriors dynasty appears to be winding down, as the roster ages and the coach who led the charge may be nearing the end of his tenure. If Kerr does not return, there is growing belief that Golden State could aggressively pursue Todd Golden, the head coach at Florida Gators.
“The Golden State Warriors will pursue Florida head coach Todd Golden if Steve Kerr leaves the organization, according to Kevin O'Connor. Golden's buyout if he leaves for the NBA is $2 million compared to $11 million if he's poached by another college program. 'Golden would be near the top of their list, if not at the top of the list',” 247 Sports’ Graham Hall wrote.
Golden has built an impressive résumé, leading Florida to a national championship and earning SEC Coach of the Year honors. He has quickly emerged as one of the top coaches in college basketball, making a jump to the NBA a realistic possibility.
A move to Golden State could make sense stylistically as well. Golden’s intensity and sideline presence would align with players like Green, who thrives on that same competitive edge. Additionally, former player Will Richardson, who played under Golden during a championship run, could potentially help influence interest in such a move.