The Golden State Warriors have made a significant move to secure their head coach, Steve Kerr, by extending his contract for two more years. The deal, worth a staggering $35 million, makes Kerr the highest-paid coach in NBA history. This news comes as no surprise considering Kerr’s impressive track record with the team.
Under Kerr’s leadership, the Warriors have achieved remarkable success, winning four NBA titles and six Western Conference championships in just nine seasons. His coaching prowess has been instrumental in shaping the team’s dominant presence in the league.
Kerr’s basketball journey began long before his coaching days. He was a standout player at the University of Arizona and went on to have a successful career in the NBA, playing for six different teams from 1988 to 2003. However, it was his time with the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan that truly solidified his place in basketball history. Kerr played a crucial role in helping the Bulls secure three consecutive championships from 1996 to 1998. He also won two more titles with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003, bringing his total to five championships as a player.
After retiring from playing, Kerr transitioned into a career as an NBA analyst for TNT. During this time, he honed his basketball knowledge and developed a deep understanding of the game. In 2014, he made his return to the NBA as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
Since then, Kerr has proven himself to be one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. With a remarkable winning percentage of .665 over his first nine seasons, he has established a winning culture within the Warriors organization. If he manages to secure another title as a coach, it will be his 10th championship overall, an incredible feat that only a few individuals have achieved.
In fact, Kerr would join an elite group of individuals who have won 10 or more titles as a player or coach. Phil Jackson, with his two championships as a player and nine as a coach, leads the pack. Bill Russell, known for his nine championships as a player and two as a player-coach, and Sam Jones, with 10 championships as a player, are also part of this exclusive club. It’s worth mentioning that Red Auerbach holds the record with 11 championships, nine as a coach and two more as an executive.
With his new contract extension, Kerr’s future with the Warriors seems secure. The team has shown immense faith in his abilities, recognizing his instrumental role in their success. As the highest-paid coach in NBA history, Kerr will undoubtedly continue to lead the Warriors to new heights in the seasons to come.