BREAKING NEWS: Former Golden State Warriors National Basketball head coach Mark Jackson whom involved in media, including launching his own podcast, sent a message to Golden State Warriors basketball head coach Steve Kerr concerning his…see more

In a powerful and direct statement that has caught fire across the NBA world, former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson — now active in media and recently the host of his own podcast “The Final Word with Mark Jackson” — has delivered a pointed message to current Warriors coach Steve Kerr, questioning the direction of the team’s culture and how Kerr has handled the waning years of the franchise’s dynasty.

On the latest episode of his podcast, Jackson acknowledged Kerr’s success but challenged his leadership amid the team’s struggles over the past two seasons, including a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.

“Let me be clear — Steve Kerr is a championship coach. But what I’m seeing now? That’s not the Warriors culture we built,” Jackson said. “There’s a disconnect. The chemistry, the accountability, the development — it’s not the same.”

A Veiled Critique of “How It Ended”

Jackson, who coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014 and is often credited with laying the foundation for their dynasty, stopped short of directly criticizing individual players but hinted that Kerr may have mishandled the delicate transition from the veteran core to the next generation of talent.

“When you’ve got legends like Steph, Klay, and Draymond — they deserve a graceful evolution, not just a ‘run it back’ mentality year after year,” he added. “And the young guys? They’re being left in the shadows.”

Jackson’s comments sparked immediate reactions from fans and insiders, many of whom still debate his firing in 2014 — a move that preceded the Warriors’ title run under Kerr the very next season.

Steve Kerr Responds: “Our Culture Speaks for Itself”

Kerr, who has won four NBA championships as Warriors head coach, was asked about Jackson’s remarks during a press appearance at the Warriors’ offseason training facility.

“I haven’t heard the podcast, but I’ve always acknowledged what Mark did here,” Kerr said. “He played a huge role in building this team. But our culture, our principles, and how we care for our players — that hasn’t changed.”

He added, “Every team faces transitions. We’ve had success most teams only dream of. It’s never perfect, but we’re proud of how we’ve handled it.”

Warriors Front Office Unfazed

A team spokesperson declined to directly address Jackson’s statements but reiterated the organization’s full support for Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. as they navigate a challenging offseason, which includes tough decisions around Klay Thompson’s future and the continued development of players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

Media and Fan Reactions Mixed

NBA analysts have been quick to weigh in:

• Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA:

  “Mark’s got a point. Golden State’s been loyal to a fault. Sometimes you gotta let go to grow.”

• Rachel Nichols on NBA Countdown:

  “It’s personal for Mark, no doubt. But that doesn’t make his insights any less valid.”

Meanwhile, Warriors fans took to social media with passionate responses:

• @DubsLegacyFan tweeted:

  “Mark Jackson talking about the culture he ‘built’ — Steve took it and made it legendary. Respect, but stay in your lane.”

• @BayAreaTruth wrote:

  “He’s not wrong. Warriors have looked lost since 2022. Time for real change.”

BOTTOM LINE: Mark Jackson’s pointed message to Steve Kerr has reignited long-simmering questions about legacy, leadership, and what comes next for the Golden State Warriors. As the dynasty era fades, the debate over how it’s being handled — and who deserves credit — is far from over.