Jason Burgos
Steve Kerr’s future with the Golden State Warriors still remains up in the air nearly two weeks after the team’s season came to an end in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Earlier this week, there was hope that a resolution may come after a meeting between the coach, controlling owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy. However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Ramona Shelburne, and Anthony Slater the two sides are seemingly at an impasse and will reconvene next week to figure out the path forward.
It would seem like a no-brainer to bring Kerr back if wants to return. Yet, it feels like the front office is open to a new direction on the bench. If the two sides can’t agree on a new contract for the legendary coach, let’s take a look at six likely replacements for Steve Kerr.
Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
Mike Brown currently serves as the head coach of the New York Knicks and has a team capable of reaching the NBA Finals in June. However, there has been speculation for months that if they fall short of a Finals trip he could be one-and-done in NYC. So why would the Warriors want a coach who has failed in multiple stops?
Brown was an assistant with the Warriors for six seasons — from 2016 to 2022 — and has the respect and admiration of stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Having players like that buy-in with the next coach is very important. Furthermore, if the Knicks don’t reach the Finals, they would not ask for much in a potential trade that sends Brown back to Golden State.
Todd Golden, Florida head coach
When the Warriors hired Kerr in 2014, it was seen as an outside-the-box idea. Well, it worked brilliantly. That is why the team has been linked to a similar bold plan to go after Florida head coach Todd Golden if Kerr exits.
College coaches often disappoint in the NBA, but the Gators coach has succeeded everywhere he’s gone and already has a National Championship on his resume at just 40. Most basketball experts believe it is inevitable that Golden makes the jump to the next level. The Warriors have the brand recognition that would certainly intrigue the young coach.
Kenny Atkinson, Cavaliers head coach
Kenny Atkinson was an influential member of Steve Kerr’s staff from 2021 to 2024. His work during that time is why he got a second chance at being a head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers two years ago. While the team was outstanding in his debut season, the Cavs have been an up-and-down group in 2025-26, and there is major pressure on him to get them to at least the Conference Finals this year.
Would Cleveland be open to trading the coach and moving on after two seasons if they don’t live up to expectations? They would be instead of paying a coach who no longer works there if they fire him. Like, Brown Atkinson has fans in the organization and could be a favorite if Kerr has any say in his replacement.
Terry Stotts, Warriors assistant
Warriors assistant and offensive coordinator Terry Stotts has a ton of experience as a head coach after serving in that role with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Portland Trail Blazers during an over 30-year career on NBA benches.
He has also emerged as Kerr’s top assistant following the departures of Brown and Atkinson. It would not be surprising if the team promoted from within, and Stotts would be the top choice of the team’s current head coach.
Jeff Van Gundy, Clippers assistant
After a lengthy stint with the New York Knicks and a four-year run with the Houston Rockets, Jeff Van Gundy stepped away from coaching and became a beloved on-air voice for the NBA on ESPN for many years. However, after 16 years, he was let go by the network in 2023. Since then, he has been an advisor for the Boston Celtics and is currently an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has earned rave reviews.
With Van Gundy back in the coaching game and far wiser, the man with a 430-318 record should be a candidate for the Warriors’ job if he is interested.
Jerry Stackhouse, Warriors assistant
If the Warriors choose to promote from within, along with Stotts, fellow assistant and defensive coordinator Jerry Stackhouse would be another option. San Francisco Standard Warriors reporter Tim Kawakami listed him as a potential option as well because he has head coaching experience from his short stint with Vanderbilt and has been on the Golden State bench for two seasons now.
Furthermore, unlike the other contenders on this list, his background as a two-time All-Star in the league brings a different level of respect from the players he could lead in 2026-27.
