Report: Steve Kerr remains open to returning as Warriors coach

There’s perhaps a shift happening with Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Not a decision. Not yet. But a shift.

According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, there’s growing belief inside the Warriors that Kerr is seriously considering a return as head coach.

That’s notable, because just days ago, the expectation around the league was trending the other way.

Kerr reportedly met Monday for about two hours with owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. No decision came out of it. But the tone seems to be changing.

Multiple sources told Poole that Kerr’s end-of-season meetings with players and staff sounded like someone planning to coach again.

“From what I understand, he didn’t sound like someone who didn’t plan on coaching next season,” one source said.

Another source put it this way to Poole: It’s now closer to 50-50. At the end of the season, it felt more like 60-40 that Kerr would step away.

Talks are ongoing. And the longer this plays out, the more it feels like a return is very much on the table.

There are still things to sort through. Roster direction. Offseason plans. Organizational alignment.

Per Poole, there’s some tension when it comes to Kerr’s willingness to speak out publicly on social and political issues. The organization would prefer less. Kerr isn’t exactly wired to dial that back.

There’s also a basketball component. The front office wants more flexibility, especially with younger players, and more accountability across the board. That includes stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Money isn’t expected to be a sticking point here. This isn’t about leverage or squeezing out a bigger deal.

As Poole notes, it’s about alignment. Professional and personal. If they find it, Kerr likely stays.

If they don’t, this thing could still go the other way.