Coaching Departures in the Bay Area
While Steve Kerr is set to remain at the helm of the Golden State Warriors, he will be doing so without his two most senior assistants. Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse, both of whom served for two seasons, have decided to move on from the organization as their contracts concluded at the end of the current season.
Pursuing Head Coaching Opportunities
The primary motivation behind these departures is the desire to secure head coaching positions. With Steve Kerr having recently secured a significant two-year contract extension, the top spot on the Warriors' bench is not expected to become vacant in the near future, prompting both coaches to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Terry Stotts, who served as the team's offensive coordinator and lead assistant, brought a wealth of experience to the staff, having previously led the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks. Regarding his departure, Stotts expressed his appreciation for the experience:
«I enjoyed my time with Steve, the staff and players. My two years there were fulfilling. Nothing but well-wishes.»
Jerry Stackhouse, who acted as the defensive coordinator for Golden State, also brings significant leadership experience to the table, having previously coached at Vanderbilt and in the G League with Raptors 905.
Shifting Staff and Roster Outlook
These exits follow the departure of veteran assistant Chris DeMarco, who left the franchise last November to take the reins as the head coach of the New York Liberty in the WNBA. To address the vacancies, reports suggest that Willie Green, the former New Orleans Pelicans head coach who previously assisted Kerr from 2016 to 2019, is among the potential candidates being considered.
The coaching staff overhaul comes at a time of broader transition for the Warriors. It is anticipated that the franchise will undergo significant changes to the roster surrounding Stephen Curry. Speculation remains high regarding the future of Draymond Green, who publicly acknowledged the possibility of roster adjustments following the team's exit from the NBA play-in tournament.