Kerr entered the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire on a Tuesday morning in mid-April ahead of the team’s play-in game in Los Angeles carrying the decision to step down regardless of the season’s outcome.
Frank Vogel Joins Golden State Staff as Associate Head Coach
To bolster the team’s defensive coaching staff, the Warriors officially named former Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel as associate head coach and de facto defensive coordinator, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle. Vogel initially planned to take a sabbatical after consulting and assisting in Dallas, but accepted Kerr’s recruitment pitch following a prior meeting in Manhattan Beach.
Vogel acknowledged to the San Francisco Chronicle that his prior relationship with LeBron James fueled speculation regarding a potential pursuit of James in free agency, though Vogel clarified that the hire’s primary purpose was defensive improvement rather than recruiting. Vogel stated that despite a banged-up and aging roster, the presence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green provides a strong foundation for high-level success.
“Any team with Steph and Draymond can win,” Vogel told the San Francisco Chronicle. “They’ve just had injuries the last couple years. That’s the only reason.”
Coaching Staff Overhaul and Roster Expectations
Vogel’s arrival fills a major vacancy created by the departure of former assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse, whose contracts expired in May. In addition to Vogel’s appointment, Golden State promoted Everett Dayton to assistant coach and director of player development.
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Vogel addressed external doubts regarding the team’s early-season prospects without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody.
“If you can keep your head above water to start the season, those guys come back—now you become one of the most dangerous teams in the league,” Vogel told the San Francisco Chronicle.
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