Steve Kerr Critical of His Performance After Warriors Missed 2025-26 NBA Playoffs

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is holding himself accountable for the team's disappointing 2025-26 season.

"I didn't have a great year," he said during an appearance on the Dubs Talk podcast (h/t Monte Poole of NBC Sports). "I think coaches are similar to players. You have years that are better than others, you have years that are worse than others."

The Warriors finished just 37-45 and were the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, though they did win their first Play-In Tournament game. But they lost their second against the Phoenix Suns, keeping them out of the playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons (and just the fourth time in Kerr's tenure as head coach, dating back to the 2014-15 season).

There were mitigating circumstances this time around. Jimmy Butler was lost for the season in January. Stephen Curry only played 43 games, dealing with injury issues of his own. Kristaps Porziņģis only played 15 of a possible 30 games after being acquired in early February. Jonathan Kuminga was mercifully dealt away in that trade, ending what had become a dysfunctional relationship with the organization. There was a disjointed feel to the entire season.

Not that Kerr is using that as an excuse.

"We never found our identity," he said. "Even early in the year when we were healthy, we were giving games away at the end. I didn't think my late-game execution stuff as a coach was great. Those are all valid points. ... When you have a moment like this, it gives you time to reflect. And it's a challenge. 'Alright, I got to get better.' I think that's true for me and it's true for our players, our organization. And that's invigorating. I'm excited."

The Warriors still believe in Kerr's ability to do just that, signing him to a two-year contract extension last week. His four titles and eight playoff appearances as the team's head coach would suggest he's up to the task.