The Golden State Warriors are entering a critical offseason defined by change, and the shifts are extending far beyond roster moves. With the departures of top assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse, head coach Steve Kerr has quietly launched a significant reconstruction of his bench, setting the stage for potentially high-profile additions.
According to reports, former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green has emerged as a leading candidate for one of the vacancies, while veteran coach Tom Thibodeau has also surfaced in league discussions. The developments come at a pivotal moment for the franchise as it seeks to rebound from an injury-plagued 37-win season and maximize the remaining championship window around Stephen Curry.
Willie Green: A Familiar Face Poised for Reunion
Willie Green stands out as the most compelling name in the search. Widely viewed around the league as a top candidate to join Kerr’s staff, Green brings deep familiarity with the Warriors organization and a proven championship pedigree.
From 2016 to 2019, Green served as an assistant under Kerr, contributing to two NBA titles and three straight Finals appearances. That experience, combined with his strong ongoing relationship with Kerr, makes a reunion both logical and strategically sound. ESPN’s Anthony Slater had previously noted Green among the candidates being considered following Stotts and Stackhouse’s exits after the 2025-26 season.
Despite being dismissed by the Pelicans after five seasons as head coach, Green retains significant respect across the NBA for his leadership, player development skills, and defensive-minded philosophy. His return would inject institutional knowledge and continuity into a staff that has seen notable turnover.
Tom Thibodeau Enters the Conversation
Adding further intrigue to the search is the mention of Tom Thibodeau. The longtime coach, with successful head coaching stints with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks, has been whispered as a potential addition to Kerr’s bench.
While it may seem unlikely for a coach of Thibodeau’s pedigree to step into an assistant role, the possibility cannot be dismissed. Kerr has a track record of successfully recruiting accomplished former head coaches who view the Warriors as a platform to rebuild their profiles before pursuing top jobs again.
Golden State’s Proven Track Record with Veteran Coaches
The Warriors have cultivated a reputation as an attractive destination for experienced coaches seeking to refresh their careers. Kenny Atkinson spent three seasons on Kerr’s staff before landing the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching position. Mike Brown, a former head coach with the Cavaliers and Lakers, thrived as a top assistant during Golden State’s championship runs and later secured head jobs with the Sacramento Kings and Knicks. Even Terry Stotts, a longtime Portland head coach, joined the staff in 2024.
This history lends credibility to the idea that both Green and Thibodeau — or other established voices — could see real value in joining Kerr’s operation.
A Critical Offseason for Kerr and Curry
The coaching overhaul follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance. Stotts informed Kerr late in the season that he would not return, while Stackhouse is exploring head coaching opportunities. The team also lost longtime assistant Chris DeMarco to the WNBA’s New York Liberty.
Despite the challenges, Kerr recently signed a two-year contract extension, affirming his commitment to leading the franchise forward. With Curry still at the helm as the cornerstone, the Warriors are expected to be aggressive in reshaping both their coaching staff and roster this summer.
Whether they land Willie Green for a heartfelt reunion, bring in a heavyweight like Tom Thibodeau, or identify another strong candidate, the bench reconstruction represents one of the most important storylines of the offseason. For a Warriors team eager to return to contention, these moves could prove instrumental in restoring the culture, cohesion, and competitiveness that defined their dynasty years.