Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has voiced concern over recent NBA coach firings, saying the rise of billionaire owners has made coaching jobs more unstable.
Speaking before Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Kerr said he was shocked by the firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “Like everyone, I was surprised,” Kerr told reporters. “I don’t know the details, but it doesn’t seem right.”
The Denver Nuggets announced the dismissal of Malone and general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday. This came just 11 days after the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins. Both teams were still in playoff contention when their coaches were let go.
Kerr Points to Wealthy Owners as the Cause
Kerr said the growing influence of billionaire owners has brought both higher salaries and more risk.
“Most teams are now owned by billionaires, big corporations,” Kerr said. “We’re all more expendable. There’s so much money in the business right now. There’s pluses and minuses to that.”
He explained that while coaches today are paid more than ever, they are also more easily replaced. “A lot of owners aren’t that concerned with firing a guy and paying him off to go away,” Kerr added.
The Warriors coach also said that despite the risks, he still loves his job. “It’s not the most stable profession,” Kerr said, “but I have great support from my ownership and management.”
Golden State’s ownership includes Joe Lacob, worth $2.3 billion, and Peter Guber, worth $1.5 billion, according to Forbes.
Sudden Firings Raise Eyebrows Around the League
The NBA community has been stunned by recent firings of successful head coaches. Michael Malone helped lead the Denver Nuggets to several playoff appearances. Taylor Jenkins brought consistent performance to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Firing both coaches so close to the postseason has raised questions about front-office decisions and long-term planning.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski called Malone’s firing “a surprise” and noted that the team had performed well this season. “There was no sign of collapse,” he said during an ESPN segment.
Business First, Loyalty Later?
Kerr’s comments shed light on a growing trend in professional sports: business decisions taking priority over team stability.
“This is the business we’re in,” Kerr said. “We’re all going to suffer a similar fate at some point. That’s kind of the way it is.”
With franchises valued in the billions, owners may now see coaching contracts as small parts of their budget. Paying out remaining contracts no longer acts as a deterrent when firing a coach.
In 2023, the NBA’s total revenue crossed $10 billion. Team valuations continue to climb, driven by media deals, global branding, and increased ticket sales.
Not Just a Basketball Problem
This issue isn’t unique to the NBA. Across sports leagues, high-profile coaches and managers are being dismissed earlier and more often.
In the NFL, the average head coaching tenure is now just 3.2 years. In Major League Baseball, managers face similar job insecurity. Big money is fueling high turnover across the board.
“There’s always someone new with money trying to win fast,” said ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. “That means less time for coaches to build.”
Warriors Stay Focused Despite Distractions
While Kerr may be speaking out about industry trends, he’s also focused on his own team. The Golden State Warriors are heading into the final stretch of the season with playoff hopes alive.
Kerr said his relationship with the Warriors front office remains strong. “I feel supported,” he said, “and that means a lot in this league.”
The Warriors have stood by Kerr through highs and lows. Since he became head coach in 2014, the team has won four NBA championships.
What This Means for NBA Coaches
Kerr’s comments come as a warning to fellow coaches and fans. As ownership grows richer, patience with coaches appears to shrink.
In an environment where results are demanded fast, even successful coaches like Malone and Jenkins can be let go without warning.
The pattern reflects a shift in priorities — one where long-term planning is replaced by short-term results and quick changes.
