Noise surrounding Steve Kerr linked to social justice issues

The Golden State Warriors fell one win shy of making the playoffs this season, and now the future of long-time head coach Steve Kerr hangs in the balance. There is an expectation that, barring a total change of heart, this will have been Kerr’s last season with the franchise.

For his part, Kerr has explained that even he doesn’t know what’s next, but that he plans on taking some time to think things over.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kerr said after losing in the Play-In Tournament. “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.”

Now, NBA reporter Marc J. Spears is speculating on some of the circumstances that may be contributing to Kerr’s potential departure from the franchise that he won four NBA titles with.

“He speaks out on social justice issues, he speaks out on racism issues, he speaks out on gun violence, and I’ve heard a little bit that maybe he’s being stifled a little bit in that regard,” Spears said during an appearance on Willard & Dibs.

“He speaks out on social justice issues, he speaks out on racism issues, he speaks out on gun violence and I’ve heard a little bit that maybe he’s being stifled a little bit in that regard.”

– @MarcJSpears on why Steve Kerr could leave

(Via @WillardAndDibs, h/t @CurryForGame) pic.twitter.com/7HLo2eZaRl

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 21, 2026

Stephen Curry wants his head coach back, but is acknowledging that there are other circumstances at play.

“I want Coach to be happy,” Curry said. “I want him to be excited for the job. I want him to believe he’s the right guy for the job. I want him to have an opportunity to enjoy what he does, whatever that means for him. Everybody’s plan is their own. He knows how I feel about him.”