Challenges in the Life of Steve Kerr in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Steve Kerr faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Steve Kerr is a highly successful American basketball coach and former player. Currently the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and the U.S. national team, he's celebrated as one of the NBA's most accurate three-point shooters, holding the record for highest career three-point percentage. Kerr boasts nine NBA championships, five as a player and four as a coach with the Warriors. His coaching achievements led to his recognition as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 18, 1984: Father's Death

On January 18, 1984, Steve Kerr's father, Malcolm Kerr, was killed in Beirut while serving as president of the American University of Beirut.

1986: Knee Injury at FIBA World Championship

In 1986, Steve Kerr injured his knee playing in the FIBA World Championship, causing him to miss the entire 1986-87 season for the Wildcats.

1988: Taunting by Sun Devil Fans

In 1988, during pre-game warmups at Arizona State University, Steve Kerr was taunted by Sun Devils fans, but he led the Wildcats to victory despite the provocation.

2015: Back issues since the 2015 NBA Finals

After the first two days of the defending champion Warriors' training camp, Steve Kerr took an indefinite leave of absence to rehabilitate his back, which had caused problems since the 2015 NBA Finals.

2017: Warriors Win NBA Championship, Kerr Returns in Finals

In 2017, Steve Kerr missed time during the playoffs due to recurring back issues, with Mike Brown acting as head coach. Kerr returned in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.

2019: Warriors Finish with Worst Record

During the 2019-2020 season, the Warriors finished with the worst record in the league, marking the first time in Steve Kerr's coaching career that he had missed the playoffs.

2019: Warriors Lose to Raptors

In 2019, the Warriors reached their fifth straight NBA Finals under Steve Kerr, but were defeated by the Toronto Raptors in six games. Kevin Durant tore his Achilles, and Klay Thompson tore his ACL during the series.

2020: Warriors Miss Playoffs Again

In the 2020-2021 season, the Warriors qualified for the play-in tournament but ultimately did not qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season.

2022: Warriors Defeated in Western Conference Semifinals

In the 2022–23 season, Steve Kerr and the Warriors reached the Western Conference Semifinals, where they were defeated in six games by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2023: Kerr leads US Team to fourth place finish at FIBA World Cup

In 2023, Steve Kerr led the United States team to a disappointing fourth-place finish at the FIBA World Cup as the U.S. failed to win a medal for the second consecutive tournament after an overtime loss to Canada in the bronze medal game, 127–118.