Skip to main content

Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes leave of absence to rehab back injury

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken a leave of absence to rehab his surgically repaired back. 
  • Author:
  • Publish date:

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken a leave of absence to rehab his surgically repaired back, the team announced Thursday

Luke Walton, who was promoted this summer to lead assistant coach, will be the interim head coach. 

It is unclear when Kerr will return to the bench, the team said. The length of his absence “will be based on his progress,” the team said. 

Kerr had two off-season back surgeries to repair a herniated disk and told reporters last week that he was still struggling with his recovery. 

“To be honest, the last couple of months have stunk for me,” Kerr told reporters on Friday. “I'm not kidding. I’ve had a rough go physically this summer.”

Kerr is entering his second season as an NBA head coach. Behind MVP Stephen Curry, Kerr led the Warriors to their first NBA title in 40 years last season. 

- Dan Gartland