Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has become a household name in the NBA, known for his leadership and the success he’s brought to the team. Under his guidance, the Warriors have won multiple NBA championships and revolutionized the way basketball is played with their fast-paced, three-point-heavy style. However, behind the success and the spotlight lies a side of the job that few people see. In a recent interview, Kerr opened up about the personal and emotional toll coaching takes on him, sharing, “I’m secretly dying in this coaching shit, but no one seems to understand, they’d rather blame.”
Kerr’s candid admission has sparked conversations about the high-pressure world of coaching in professional sports. His words shed light on the hidden struggles that come with managing a team, navigating expectations, and dealing with the intense scrutiny that comes with leading one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises.
The Golden State Warriors have experienced a remarkable run of success since Steve Kerr took over as head coach in 2014. Under his leadership, the team has won four NBA championships and reached the Finals six times in a span of eight seasons. This success has made the Warriors one of the most talked-about teams in the league, with a global fan base and an almost constant presence in the media.
Yet, with success comes pressure. The Warriors’ fans, the media, and even the front office have high expectations for the team to remain at the top. The weight of those expectations falls heavily on Kerr’s shoulders. Every decision he makes—whether it’s related to player rotations, game strategies, or locker room dynamics—is closely scrutinized. When the team struggles, the blame often lands squarely on Kerr.
“It’s hard for people to see beyond the wins and losses,” Kerr said in his interview. “They see the success, the championships, and they think it’s all smooth sailing. But the truth is, it’s an incredibly demanding job, and the pressure to maintain that level of success is constant. When things don’t go well, it’s easy for people to point fingers and blame the coach.”
While the Warriors have enjoyed their share of triumphs, they have also faced challenges. Injuries to key players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have led to periods of struggle for the team. These tough stretches have tested Kerr’s resilience as a coach. The transition from a championship-caliber roster to one that has had to rebuild around young players has added a new layer of difficulty to the job.
Kerr acknowledged that these challenges can be draining, especially when the expectations for the team remain high, even during seasons of transition. “It’s tough because you want to be there for your players and help them grow, but at the same time, you’re dealing with your own frustration when things don’t go the way you planned,” he explained. “There are nights when I go home and feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, but people only see what happens on the court.”
The reality of the job extends far beyond the public perception of Kerr as a confident and composed leader. Behind closed doors, he deals with the strain of managing the emotional dynamics of the team, the pressure to develop young talent, and the constant media speculation about the future of the Warriors’ core players. It’s a demanding role that requires balancing immediate results with long-term planning, all while managing his own mental and emotional well-being.
Steve Kerr’s openness about the struggles he faces in his role has helped to highlight an issue that is often overlooked in the world of professional sports: the mental health of coaches. While players have become more vocal about their struggles with mental health, the pressure and stress that coaches experience often remain in the background. For Kerr, the constant scrutiny and the pressure to perform can be a heavy burden to bear.
“It’s not easy to admit that you’re struggling, especially in a job where you’re supposed to be the one providing guidance and stability for the team,” he said. “But the truth is, there are times when the pressure feels overwhelming. You have to put on a strong face, but inside, you’re dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety.”
Kerr’s comments have resonated with many in the coaching community, as well as with fans who may not fully understand the challenges that come with leading a professional sports team. The demanding schedule, the pressure to win, and the responsibility of managing the egos and expectations of star athletes can create an environment where coaches feel isolated, even when they are surrounded by people every day.
Kerr’s words serve as a reminder that coaches are human beings dealing with their own struggles, even while trying to lead their teams to success. The pressure to constantly deliver results can make it difficult for them to seek help or to share their struggles openly. For Kerr, speaking out about his challenges is a step toward creating a more empathetic environment in the NBA and beyond.
“I don’t expect people to stop criticizing—that’s part of the job,” Kerr said. “But I hope that by being open about what I’m going through, people might have a little more understanding of what it’s like to be in this position. Coaching is not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about managing people, dealing with pressure, and sometimes, just trying to get through the day.”
As the Warriors navigate their season, Kerr’s focus remains on helping his players grow and guiding the team through both its triumphs and setbacks. But his candid comments have added a new dimension to the conversation about what it means to be a leader in professional sports. It’s a conversation that acknowledges the sacrifices and challenges that come with the role and emphasizes the importance of supporting those who dedicate themselves to the game.
The challenges of coaching in the NBA won’t disappear, but Steve Kerr’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles may encourage other coaches to do the same. His words could help to foster a culture where mental health is taken more seriously, and where the pressure to perform does not overshadow the importance of well-being.
As the Warriors continue their pursuit of another championship, Kerr’s journey will remain closely watched. But beyond the wins and losses, his openness has provided a valuable lesson: that even the most successful leaders face battles that the public does not always see. For Kerr, it’s a reminder that success on the court is only part of the story, and that understanding and empathy should be part of the game plan for everyone involved in the world of sports.