Steve Kerr acknowledged that "these jobs all have an expiration date" as he cast doubt on his future with the Golden State Warriors after their play-in defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

Kerr watched on as his team were beaten 111-96 by the Suns on Friday, with Phoenix taking the number eight seed in the Western Conference and ending the Warriors' season. 

Golden State finished the campaign with a record of 37-45, among the worst during Kerr's 12-year reign with the franchise, though injuries did not help their cause.

Jimmy Butler tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) back in January while 12-time NBA All-Star Steph Curry missed 27 consecutive games with a persistent right knee injury. 

Curry briefly rediscovered his form to lead Golden State past the Los Angeles Clippers in the first play-in game, but he was unable to repeat the trick against Phoenix. 

"I don't know what's going to happen," Kerr said. "I still love coaching, but I get it. These jobs all have an expiration date.

"There is a run that happens and when the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas."

Kerr signed a two-year extension in 2024, which expires after this season. There have been no new contract talks, and some reports suggest he could retire this year. 

The Warriors won the 2015 NBA title in Kerr's debut season and three more in 2017, 2018 and 2022, building one of the most memorable dynasties in league history.

Final. pic.twitter.com/mPWoBH4Xn8

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 18, 2026

And key to those successes have been Curry and Draymond Green, with Kerr appearing to take a moment that looked like a possible farewell with the pair. 

In the closing seconds, Kerr subbed Curry and Green out of the game, circled them for a quick conversation and gave them both a combination hug after telling them: "I don't know what's going to happen next, but I love you guys to death. Thank you."

Kerr said he will take a week or two to contemplate his future before discussing his options moving forward. 

"If [my time is done], then I will be nothing but grateful for the most amazing opportunity any person could have to coach this franchise in front of our fans and to coach Steph Curry, [Draymond Green], the whole group," Kerr said.

"It may still go on. It may not. I don't know at this point. But we all need to step away a little bit and then reconvene."

Curry reiterated that he would prefer that Kerr remain as Golden State coach but said he understands there are several factors at play.

"I want Coach to be happy," Curry said. "I want him to be excited for the job. I want him to believe he's the right guy for the job.

"I want him to have an opportunity to enjoy what he does, whatever that means for him. Everybody's plan is their own. He knows how I feel about him."

Kerr also added his partnership with Curry will have an influence as he thinks about what's next.

"That's part of the equation," Kerr said. "I don't want to walk away from Steph. I'm definitely not going and coaching somewhere else next year in the NBA.

"I would never walk away from Steph. But all this stuff has to be aligned and right. Those are all discussions that will be had."