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DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 23: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 23, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

With each new report that comes out, it’s starting to feel less and less likely Steve Kerr will be back in his role as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors next season.

Now it sounds like people within the organization are truly bracing for that possibility.

Member of Warriors Not Optimistic About Steve Kerr’s Chances of Returning

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 07: Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors walks off the court after losing the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on November 7, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

According to ESPN’s Nick Friedell, internal optimism regarding Kerr remaining with the Warriors is starting to fade ahead of the coach’s upcoming meetings with the organization

“What is clear is that optimism inside the organization about Kerr’s return has faded in recent weeks. Multiple team sources have stressed that no decision has been made, and won’t be made until Kerr meets with Lacob and Dunleavy, but staffers have begun to brace themselves for the possibility of change,” Friedell wrote.

“ESPN reported Monday that if Kerr returns, the Warriors would want him to agree to a multi-year extension. One team source would neither confirm nor deny that detail, but it is clear that both sides are approaching a pivotal conversation. Speculation around the league about possible successors has already begun.”

Speculation about possible successors for Kerr has also begun on the internet. A quick Google search will generate tons of articles about potential replacements for Kerr, including both current and former Warriors assistant coaches and even a college coach.

One thing has become clear with all of these articles: The Warriors will have no shortage of intriguing options as a replacement should Kerr decide to move on. But, that hasn’t happened yet, and according to Friedell, there’s still “some” hope inside the organization that Kerr will return for a 13th season on the sideline.

Draymond Green Doesn’t Expect Kerr to be Back With Warriors

GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors talks to head coach Steve Kerr after receiving a technical foul in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings during the NBA In-Season Tournament game at Golden 1 Center on November 28, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

This recent reporting from Freidell isn’t especially surprising, especially considering recent comments from Draymond Green, who cast major doubt on Kerr’s future in the Bay Area.

“Steph, myself, Steve shared a moment in what could be our last time playing with Steve as our coach. I’m happy we got to share that moment. He didn’t miss the moment. It was a big deal,” Green said. “I hope he’s our coach next year. You want my opinion, I think not just because it just feels like that. It felt like that was it.”

Things could obviously change in the coming days, but at this point, it certainly seems like people close to Kerr and the Warriors organization are preparing for the legendary coach’s departure.