Warriors Coach Steve Kerr May be Fired Over Anti-Israel Stances
Kerr, one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history, has led Golden State since 2014 and won four championships with the team, after winning five titles as a player. But according to reports in the United States, frustration inside the organization has grown over his repeated public involvement in political issues, with his latest comments on Israel adding to existing tensions.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr could be on his way out after a new wave of controversy over his political comments, including sharp criticism of Israel in a recent interview with The New Yorker.
Kerr, one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history, has led Golden State since 2014 and won four championships with the team, after winning five titles as a player. But according to reports in the United States, frustration inside the organization has grown over his repeated public involvement in political issues, with his latest comments on Israel adding to existing tensions.
In the interview, Kerr accused Israel of seeking revenge for the October 7 massacre and said that 72,000 Palestinians had been killed. He also claimed that Israelis were taking over Judea and Samaria illegally, with the backing of the Israeli government and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
“That’s not a path to any sort of peace or security for Israel or the rest of the Middle East,” Kerr said.
Kerr also argued that Israel had an opportunity to pursue diplomacy with the Palestinians, strengthen the Abraham Accords and build stronger Arab alliances against Iran, but failed to do so. He also criticized American leadership, saying the United States is weaker than it has been in a long time because of what he described as a lack of humility, respect and understanding of the world.
The remarks came as debate over Kerr’s future with the Warriors was already growing. ESPN’s Marc Spears suggested recently that Kerr may have been limited in some way in his public comments, while The Athletic’s Nick Friedell reported that Kerr’s desire to speak openly on social and political issues has caused internal frustration at times.
That does not necessarily mean the Warriors are ready to fire him over Israel, because NBA front offices, miraculously, do occasionally remember basketball exists. But the reports point to growing discomfort around a coach whose political profile has long extended beyond the court.
Kerr has previously spoken out on gun control, Donald Trump, immigration and other issues. He also appeared at the Democratic National Convention in 2024.
For his part, Kerr has hinted that his decision may be tied less to politics and more to the future of the Warriors’ core. After Golden State’s playoff elimination, he said he still loves coaching but understands that every job has “an expiration date.” He has also suggested that if Steph Curry and Draymond Green retire, he could leave with them.