Steve Kerr will remain in the Golden State until 2026 (Image: Getty Images)
A new record head coach contract has been offered out in the NBA, with Steve Kerr agreeing to re-sign for only two more years with the Golden State Warriors but for a big price

The Golden State Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr agreed on Friday to a record two-year, $35 million contract extension.

Kerr will now be the highest-paid coach in NBA history, earning $17.5 million through the 2025-26 season. Kerr’s current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, and all eyes were on the franchise with the team currently underperforming in the Western Conference.

The Warriors are 10th in the Conference with a 28-26 record, and they suffered an underwhelming loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the postseason last year. But with four Championships since 2015 at the Warriors, the organization still believe that Kerr is the right man for the job.

The extension fits with Stephen Curry’s deal, meaning that both Kerr and the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history could leave the franchise at the same time. It places an extra layer of pressure on the next two seasons, but Kerr will now be able to relax knowing he has some time.

Kerr’s deal isn’t as large as San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, but the 75-year-old also acts as team president. Similarly Erik Spoelstra’s deal is also larger over the entire contract length, but he earns $15 million annually on his eight-year agreement.

There has been added pressure on Kerr’s position in recent months, but only from outsiders judging by Friday’s agreement. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kerr’s representatives have been speaking about an extension for months according to ESPN.

History shows it’s the right call, with Kerr’s win percentage (.655) the fifth-highest in NBA history. Getting Kerr to agree on a new contract was a priority for owner Joe Lacob, who is keen to keep the core group together.

Kerr has a close relationship with Draymond Green after sticking with him through his struggles ( Image: Getty Images)

The core-four that helped the Warriors become dominant may no longer be all together, but there’s still belief that the Warriors have enough quality to win a fifth Championship under Kerr. Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all remain with the franchise, but their shelf life is diminishing, at the elite level anyway.

Kerr may have to oversee a transition during his final two years, one that could see Curry walk at the end of the 2025-26 season. But the organization trust in Kerr to either continue leading the franchise or hand it over in safe hands to someone else.

The Warriors coach has appeared in the NBA Finals six times, and won his 500th career game last Thursday making him the fifth-fastest coach to do so in history. He also coaches the Team USA’s roster, showing his versatility and ability.