Steve Kerr nearly retired before Warriors win changed his mind

Steve Kerr was ready to walk away. Then the Warriors reminded him why he never could.

The longtime Golden State coach said he was about “95%” set on retiring after 12 seasons, regardless of how the play-in game against the Clippers turned out, per ESPN’s Wright Thompson.

Then the Warriors won.

“I’m not leaving,” Kerr told his staff in the locker room after the victory.

Even his wife, Margot, sent a text echoing the same message.

The reversal came after months of serious thought. Kerr had been discussing retirement as far back as last summer, wondering if the dynasty had run its course and if he risked staying too long. He pointed to longtime mentor Gregg Popovich as a cautionary example.

“I realized he couldn’t do it,” Kerr said. “He couldn’t walk away.”

By the time the play-in arrived, Kerr believed he was done. But the comeback win, fueled by big plays from Al Horford and Stephen Curry, shifted everything.

It was not just the game. It was what came after.

Kerr met with Curry. He spoke with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. His daughter challenged how he was viewing the job. His wife wanted him to stay.

“Coaching has unlocked the best version of myself,” Kerr said. “I think I’m scared that I will lose that daily engagement and purpose.”

That clarity carried through. Lacob wanted him back. Kerr told Dunleavy he was staying. He called Curry to confirm it.

“I’m just like Riley,” Kerr said, referencing Pat Riley. “I want the whistle.”

Kerr had other options, including front office roles and a return to broadcasting. None of it matched the pull of coaching.

“I’m not a suit,” he said. “I want the whistle.”