Steve Kerr has agreed to become the new coach of the Golden State Warriors, despite having been in talks with the New York Knicks.
The former Phoenix Suns general manager, who has been linked to the Knicks since the end of the regular season, has signed a five-year deal with the Pacific Division side, who fired Mark Jackson earlier this month.
The 48-year-old told NBA.com: "They have a good young team. The location is ideal. My daughter goes to Cal and plays volleyball. My oldest son is in college in San Diego and our youngest is a junior in high school. It's just a short flight for them.
"Ultimately, it was agonising to say no to [Knicks president] Phil [Jackson] because of what I think of him and what he's done for my career. When Phil Jackson asks you to coach the Knicks, how do you say no?
"I think they're going to turn it around, but going to be a big undertaking and it's going to take time. The idea of doing that 3,000 miles from home, it just didn't feel right. I told Phil, 'I think I have to pursue this other opportunity'. He gave me his blessing. He said go look at it, and do what was in my heart."
Kerr, who has most recently worked as a television commentator, spent 15 years as a guard in the NBA before retiring in 2003.
Sian Cowper
