The Golden State Warriors have not made a coaching change. Steve Kerr remains in place as head coach, and no public decision has been announced regarding his future. However, the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation—paired with a disappointing 37-45 season that saw the team miss the playoffs entirely—has already started the coaching carousel spinning around the Bay Area.
Golden State’s roster features aging stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, all entering the final years of their respective contracts in 2026-27. That reality has created genuine urgency for the front office this offseason to stabilize the franchise and maximize the remaining championship window.
And at least one veteran NBA coach has taken clear notice of the potential opportunity.
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According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is reportedly keeping a close eye on the Warriors’ coaching situation. Donovan is said to be waiting to see if the Golden State job opens up before making any firm commitments to his next move. The appeal, per the report, lies in the Warriors’ status as a veteran, win-now roster built around established stars rather than a full-scale rebuild.
It’s important to approach this development with appropriate caution. Kerr has not stepped down, and no conversations with owner Joe Lacob or general manager Mike Dunleavy have produced a definitive outcome yet. Until that happens, all external speculation remains just that—speculation. Still, the report indicates that Donovan views Golden State as his preferred destination should the position become available.
Donovan’s Track Record and Potential Fit
At 60 years old, Billy Donovan brings more than a decade of NBA head coaching experience to the table. He spent six seasons with the Chicago Bulls following a successful run with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His Bulls tenure ended with a 226-256 record, including just one winning season and a single playoff appearance. Donovan stepped away from Chicago earlier this month as the organization pivoted toward a full rebuild.
The potential fit in Golden State has logical appeal on paper. Donovan has demonstrated an ability to manage veteran rosters and handle the high expectations that come with contending teams. If Kerr were to depart, the Warriors would need a coach who could immediately command respect in a locker room featuring Curry and Green while implementing a system capable of squeezing the most out of an experienced but aging core.
Peripheral reports have also floated the possibility of Donovan returning to the college ranks, where he previously enjoyed significant success (including two national titles at Florida). However, league sources suggest that option would only be pursued as a last resort if no attractive NBA head coaching opportunity materializes.
Why the Warriors Situation Is Being Watched Closely
The Warriors’ 37-45 finish represented one of the more underwhelming campaigns in the Western Conference. With key veterans on expiring deals and the pressure mounting to deliver results, the organization faces critical decisions this summer—not just on personnel, but on leadership.
Kerr’s future remains the central variable. He has not signaled an immediate exit, but the combination of the team’s recent struggles and his own contract uncertainty has fueled widespread speculation league-wide. Until Kerr sits down with Lacob and Dunleavy for a conclusive discussion, the door remains ajar for external interest.
Donovan’s reported interest adds another layer to an already intriguing offseason narrative in Golden State. He would not be the only name to surface if the job opens, but his willingness to hold off on other opportunities underscores how seriously he is monitoring the situation.
Final Word
Nothing moves forward until Steve Kerr makes his intentions clear. The Warriors’ front office has given no indication of an imminent change, and Kerr himself has not publicly committed to leaving. For now, the chatter surrounding Billy Donovan is exactly that—chatter fueled by the natural uncertainty that follows a disappointing season.
What is undeniable is that the Warriors’ coaching situation is drawing attention across the NBA. If the job does open, Donovan appears poised and interested in stepping into one of the league’s most high-profile roles. Until then, Golden State remains focused on its internal conversations and the looming decisions that will shape the franchise’s immediate future.