Warriors introduce Kerr as new coach

Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif.

The Golden State Warriors wanted Steve Kerr from the start but still wondered about his ability to coach. Kerr had his own questions for the Warriors before being convinced to take the job, notably what led to the bitter divorce between the team and Mark Jackson.

Both got the answers that they had hoped for.

Now each is counting on even better results to follow.

The Warriors introduced Kerr as their new coach Tuesday at a packed news conference at the team’s downtown Oakland headquarters. Kerr signed with the Warriors for five years and about $25 million after rejecting an offer from mentor Phil Jackson to coach the New York Knicks.

“I’m convinced Phil is going to make it work in New York, but when I sat down with the Warriors, it just clicked,” Kerr said. “I think it’s the right fit for me.”

Kerr plans to finish his duties broadcasting the Western Conference finals for TNT before starting with the Warriors.

The former NBA guard cited Golden State’s rapid rise the past three seasons and his family in California as his main reasons for taking the job. He replaces Mark Jackson, who was fired by the Warriors on May 6 after a 51-win season and back-to-back playoff appearances in large part because of his sour relationship with team management.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers said the team identified Kerr and former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy at the beginning of their search. He said Kerr already was too deep in talks with the Knicks, where Phil Jackson took over as team president in March.

“We were really just hoping to get an interview with Steve. And he rebuffed us in a very polite way,” Myers said, chuckling.

Then Van Gundy agreed to a $35 million, five-year deal with Detroit last week to coach the Pistons and oversee basketball operations. Shortly thereafter, Kerr’s agent, Mike Tannenbaum, called the Warriors and asked for a meeting.