Despite a rough start to the 2017-18 season, the Golden State Warriors are preparing to extend their head coach Steve Kerr to a long-term contract, according to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic.
Kerr noted earlier in the offseason that he wasn't worried about his contract extension, but rather zoning-in on coaching this team through a shortened training camp. Team president Bob Myers lauded Kerr for his unselfishness and character, giving every sense that the organization though of him as the coach of the future, even despite his healthy problems through the last couple of seasons.
While the deal didn't get done after securing a second championship in three years, Kerr's motto of patience is suited to benefit not only himself, but the team, as he makes a recovery from scary symptoms stemming from a back procedure he first underwent in the offseason of 2015.
“We just agreed we'd wait,” Kerr said. “I've got two years left on my deal and wanted to make sure that everything went well this year health-wise. And I don't anticipate any issues going forward.”
“I don't have any desire to be anywhere else. So I'm sure when we get down to it, we'll come to an agreement pretty quickly.”
Kerr's vote of confidence on himself would be considered a huge risk elsewhere, because if he has a setback at some point this season, it can likely have management double-guessing their desire to keep a coach who is actively facing health issues. But that hasn't proven to be a problem with the organization, which has remained resilient and willing to work with Kerr through any complications he's encountered thus far.
“I would expect him to be our coach for a long time,” owner Joe Lacob said. “We did try, but I think he basically just wanted to wait and see how his health was, that was the primary thing. We had a couple years to go (on his contract, which runs through the 2018-19 season), so we understood that. He understood that. I suspect we'll probably not deal with it during the season and next summer we'll talk again.”
“I would like to have him for a very long term. He's fantastic. We love him.”
This radiant approach to his tenure goes from the top of the chain of command, to the players themselves, who have been more than willing to make any changes necessary and follow his lead throughout his three-year tenure with the team.
“I would feel weird about committing to something years out if I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make the commitment,” Kerr said. “But I think it's all heading in a good direction and I'll get there.”
Kerr noted he'll engage in contract discussions, once he knows his long-term health won't put the organization in jeopardy — knowing full-well he won't have to worry about being treated fairly by the Warriors.
“I know how they operate,” Kerr said of Lacob and Myers. “They're going to make me a great offer. If I decide I'm ready to do this, it will be a very short negotiation, I can tell you that.”
“I'm a horrible negotiator, but I'm not going anywhere else. I have no desire to coach anywhere else. I love living here, I love the Warriors, I love working with Bob and Joe. Love the players. I'm not going anywhere.”
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