In a surprising twist to the ongoing whirlwind of NBA coaching changes, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has called out the deep pockets of billionaire team owners for the growing uncertainty surrounding coaching jobs across the league. Following the abrupt firings of two coaches—Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets and Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies—Kerr offered his take on the power dynamics within the league, highlighting the impact of wealth and corporate ownership.
Kerr’s Reaction to Shocking Firings: “I Was Shocked, Like Everyone Else”
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Warriors’ game against the Phoenix Suns on April 6, 2025, Kerr couldn’t hide his surprise over the recent late-season firings. “I was shocked, like everyone else,” he said, reflecting on the abrupt dismissals just days before the start of the postseason. While Kerr admitted that he wasn’t privy to the behind-the-scenes details of Malone’s firing, he seemed unsettled by the timing and circumstances.
“There’s a lot of weird things going on with coaches being fired before the playoffs,” Kerr added. “It doesn’t seem right, but this is the business we’re in.” His statement resonated with a deeper reality: as an NBA coach, job security is an increasingly rare luxury.
How Billionaires Are Changing the Game for Coaches
Kerr went on to delve into what he believes is the root cause of this instability. “I think one thing that’s happened is most teams are now owned by billionaires, big corporations,” he said, pointing directly to the ultra-wealthy owners who have become the new face of the NBA. With such wealth in play, Kerr argued, coaches have become more expendable.
“There’s so much money in the business right now. There’s pluses and minuses to that. We’re all making bigger salaries than we were five years ago, but we’re much more vulnerable,” Kerr noted, pointing out that billionaires are often less concerned with the financial hit that comes with firing a coach and paying them off.
The Double-Edged Sword of Wealth in the NBA
While Kerr acknowledged that the NBA’s lucrative landscape has undeniably benefited coaches in terms of larger salaries, the price of such wealth is clear: greater vulnerability. The financial muscle of today’s owners—many of whom have built empires outside of basketball—means that there’s little hesitation when it comes to parting ways with a coach if they feel it’s the right business move.
“I think a lot of owners aren’t that concerned with firing a guy and paying him off to go away,” Kerr said, underlining the brutal reality that today’s owners often make decisions based solely on the bottom line.
Stability at Golden State: A Different Story for Kerr
Despite the harsh new realities for NBA coaches, Kerr finds himself in a unique position of stability within the Warriors organization. As one of the most successful coaches in the past decade, with multiple titles under his belt, Kerr has earned the trust of Golden State’s billionaire owners, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.
While the NBA has witnessed numerous high-profile firings of successful coaches—such as Malone and Jenkins—Kerr’s relationship with his ownership seems secure, for now. “I love the job, even if it’s not the most stable profession,” Kerr said with a smile. His appreciation for his position is evident, especially given the backing he enjoys from Golden State’s ownership.
Kerr’s Remarkable Record and Golden State’s Trust in His Leadership
The Warriors’ owners have been nothing but supportive of Kerr’s tenure. As of 2025, the team is still riding high with the fruits of Kerr’s leadership, and his relationship with the front office has remained strong. Lacob, a billionaire worth $2.3 billion, and Guber, valued at $1.5 billion, have shown no signs of parting with the coach anytime soon.
This level of trust is significant in an era when NBA coaches are facing increased job insecurity. Kerr is one of the few coaches in recent years to have avoided being fired despite underwhelming seasons. His current salary of $17.5 million—making him the highest-paid coach in NBA history—further demonstrates his value to the Warriors.
Will Kerr’s Relationship with Warriors Owners Last?
While Kerr’s position is secure for now, the volatility in the NBA coaching ranks raises an intriguing question: will even Kerr’s seemingly unshakable relationship with his billionaire bosses remain stable in the long term? If a coaching legend like Kerr is not entirely safe from the whims of wealthy owners, what does this mean for the future of NBA coaching jobs?
For now, Kerr’s future with Golden State appears locked in. But as the league continues to evolve, with more corporate owners at the helm, the landscape for NBA coaches could shift dramatically in the coming years.
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