By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Steve Kerr considered relocating to France to coach Paris and might revisit the prospect, as recently confirmed to L’Equipe’s Yann Ohnona.
The informal discussions between the French capital club and the nine-time NBA champion remained a closely guarded secret for two years. However, Paris president David Kahn, a long-time acquaintance of the 60-year-old tactician from their days as NBA executives when Kerr was the general manager of the Phoenix Suns, confirmed that the connection resurfaced during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. After Kerr expressed how much he and his wife loved the city, Kahn immediately offered him the head coaching job whenever he felt ready to leave the North American league.
While the 64-year-old former Minnesota Timberwolves executive admitted the story feels awkward to publicize now, given the success of the EuroLeague team, he felt it would be irresponsible not to pursue a figure of Kerr’s historic magnitude, he explained to L’Equipe.
Kahn brings his own extensive executive pedigree to the Parisian franchise, having built a diverse career across sports management and media. Before co-founding Paris in 2018, the Portland native served as the president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves and worked for the Indiana Pacers as well.
Kerr’s career is legendary, boasting five championship rings as a player with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, alongside four titles coaching the Warriors dynasty. Although a cross-continental move is currently on hold following his recent two-year contract extension, the door remains open for a future stint in France.
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