Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors’ head coach, has inked a two-year, $35 million contract deal to stay in the Bay Area.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Kerr’s new contract deal on Friday, citing information from Priority Sports. Kerr, 58, will become the highest-paid coach in NBA history with his new contract, at $17.5 million per year.
According to reports, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich earns a higher salary each year. However, the 26-year veteran serves as both president and coach. Meanwhile, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra received an eight-year contract deal in January, allegedly at roughly $15 million each season.
Kerr’s previous deal was supposed to expire at the end of the current season, but his extension keeps him in control of the Warriors until 2025-26.
The agreement follows months of discussions and negotiations between Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kerr’s reps at Priority Sports. The Warriors’ front management prioritized maintaining Kerr, who has the fifth-best winning percentage in NBA history (.655).
Kerr became a staple in Golden State and a key part in the Warriors’ dynasty. His extension assures his presence in what could be a transitional phase for a roster that was built around Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
The Warriors have won four NBA titles and made six finals appearances under Kerr’s leadership. Last Thursday, Kerr got his 500th win in a game against the Utah Jazz, making him the fifth-fastest coach to reach the feat.
In the 2016-17 season, Kerr guided Golden State to the NBA’s best regular season record, 73-9. They broke the previous record (72-10), set by Kerr’s 1996 Chicago Bulls team.
Kerr has a 501-264 record in his ninth season with the Dubs. He also coaches Team USA, who will compete in the next Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Warriors have won seven of their past eight games, including a 128-110 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers following the All-Star break. The win improved their record to 28-26, placing them eighth in the Western Conference.
