Steve Kerr stays on the West coast

The Steve Kerr saga is finally over.  The first time head coach has agreed to a five-year, $25million dollar deal to become the next head coach of the Golden State Warriors.  Kerr was number one on the Warriors list of potential candidates.  The team went above and beyond to get their man.  Three years ago Golden State signed mark Jackson to a four-year, $8million dollar contract.  The Bay Area team outbid at least three other franchises to ink Kerr's services.

Kerr is no stranger to winning. That could be one of the reasons why teams have been salivating over him.  He won five NBA Championships as a player.  He is known as one of the elite sharpshooters of his era.  Kerr's series-clinching shot in game six of the 1997 NBA Finals is the highlight of a career signified by clutch baskets.

The decision to sign with the Warriors was not easy for Kerr.  Signing with the Knicks would have reunited him with Phil Jackson.  A chance to work for a former mentor is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  However, Kerr chose to go with the safer bet.  The Warriors future shines bright.  The roster is made up of young, talented, high character basketball players.  New York's future is currently in limbo.  Kerr's offseason home is in San Diego.  Being close to family played an intricate role in his decision to stay on the west coast.

Kerr's basketball journey has been improbable.  He wasn't expected to play much when he signed on to play for Lute Olson at Arizona.  He ended up leading the Wildcats to the 1988 NCAA Final Four.

Kerr brings toughness to the Warriors coaching staff.  As a player he was known for never backing down despite his slender frame.  Phil Jackson would assign Kerr to guard Michael Jordan during practice as a member of the Bulls.  He is obviously no physical match for Michael. Phil appreciated Kerr's aggressive nature. On one occasion things boiled over.  Kerr pestered Michael for the duration of practice.  The Bulls alpha male got so frustrated by Kerr's harassment he socked him right above the left eye.  Michael was thrown out of practice.  Not only did Kerr frustrate Michael to the point of embarrassment, but he gained the respect of the best player in the league in the process.

Kerr has teaching in his blood.  His father taught at UCLA for over 20 years.  He played for Lenny Wilkens, Greg Popovich, Phil Jackson and Lute Olson.  He has had the opportunity to learn from the best. 

Mark Jackson made his mark as the Warriors head coach.  The team is coming off it's first 50 win season in 22 years.  Jackson was let go for reasons that were not related to the performance of his team.  If nothing else Jackson produced results.  Steve Kerr has his work cut out as the next head coach of the Golden State Warriors.


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