BREAKING: Steph Curry Trades Jersey Number, Steps Down as Warriors Captain to Become Full-Time Head Coach Vowing to Bring Another Championship
In a stunning and unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has officially stepped down as team captain and relinquished his player role to take over as the franchise’s full-time head coach. The 4-time NBA champion and 2-time MVP also announced he will be retiring his iconic No. 30 jersey — but not forever. Instead, he’ll symbolically switch numbers to mark the beginning of his new chapter: Coach Curry will wear a No. 0 polo, signifying a “new era, zero ego, and all-in for the team.
At a packed press conference at Chase Center this morning, an emotional but energized Curry said, “This isn’t a goodbye to basketball — it’s just a new way of leading. I’ve given everything I have on the court. Now it’s time to guide the next generation from the sideline. The mission is still the same: bring another championship to the Bay.
Curry’s transition into coaching has been rumored over the past few seasons as he entered his late 30s. While many expected him to continue playing a few more years, sources say Curry felt an “intense calling” to lead differently after a season marked by inconsistency and injuries within the roster. The Warriors were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, sparking speculation about the team’s direction.
With Steve Kerr stepping into an executive advisory role, the Warriors front office confirmed that the coaching transition had been discussed internally for months. In a joint statement, Kerr said, “There’s no one better suited to lead this team into its next era than Steph. He’s a basketball savant, a fierce competitor, and the heart of this
Curry retires from playing as arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history, a revolutionizer of the modern game, and the most beloved player in Warriors franchise history. Over 16 seasons, he amassed over 25,000 points, 3,800 three-pointers, and helped bring four NBA titles to Golden State. But now, he seeks to add a fifth — as a coach.
In a move that blends humility with symbolism, Curry has decided to retire the No. 30 jersey from active play. “That number belongs to the memories, the grind, and the journey. From Davidson to the dynasty, it’s been with me every step of the way,” he said. “But now, it’s time for a fresh start — for the team, and for me.”
The Warriors’ young core, including Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and the recently drafted phenom Jayden Rivers, are expected to take on larger roles under Curry’s leadership. Curry will also have a strong veteran support system, with former teammate Draymond Green expected to join the coaching staff as a defensive coordinator and team mentor.
Klay Thompson, who recently re-signed for one final season, called the move “legendary and hinted it may be his last year too. “Steph becoming coach? It’s like MJ becoming GM — but better, Thompson said. He’s not just the soul of this team — he is this team.
Fan Reactions and NBA Response
Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement. Hashtags like **#CoachCurry**, **#StephStepsUp**, and **#NewDynastyBay** trended globally. Tributes poured in from fellow players, celebrities, and even President Kamala Harris, a Bay Area native, who tweeted: “Steph Curry continues to inspire us all — on the court, and now from the bench. Coach Curry has my full support. Let’s go, Dubs!
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised the move, saying: “Steph has changed the game before — and now, he’s poised to do it again. We’re witnessing history.
Asked about his goals for this new chapter, Coach Curry didn’t hesitate. “We’re not rebuilding. We’re reigniting,” he said. “This team has the heart, the hunger, and now the leadership. And we’re going to bring another banner to the Bay — believe that.
Warriors training camp opens in September, and for the first time in nearly two decades, Steph Curry won’t be suiting up to play — but he’ll still be leading the charge.