Most coaches can’t claim to have assembled arguably the greatest team in NBA history, but Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors can. His team set a new record for most wins in a season, surpassing the Chicago Bulls’ previous record of 72 by finishing with an unprecedented 73. Fun fact: He was part of that Bulls team, so technically, he broke his own record. 

Kerr has 4 championships under his belt as a coach. However, once you find out about his family you’ll understand why overachievement runs in the Kerr family. So let’s find out more about the Dubs coach’s fascinating background.

Who is Steve Kerr’s mother, Ann Zwicker Kerr?

Southern California native, Ann Zwicker Kerr, is an accomplished educator who has spent over 15 years studying and teaching in the Middle East. She received her education from the American University of Beirut (AUB), Occidental College, and the American University of Cairo. She also taught at these institutions, though not at Occidental.

Steve Kerr’s mother is an emerita member of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Beirut. Currently, she is the coordinator of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Program at UCLA. Recently she and her son were seated honorary doctorate from the University of Arizona for their accomplishments and contributions to the world. 

Who is Steve Kerr’s father?

Political scientist Malcolm H. Kerr was the father of Dubs head coach Steve Kerr. He was born to academics Stanley Kerr and Elsa Reckman, who both taught at AUB. Malcolm followed in their footsteps, earning his Master’s degree from AUB in 1955. He would also meet his future wife Ann Zwicker at AUB.  Under the guidance of Majid Khadduri and Sir Hamilton Gibb, Kerr wrote his dissertation, earning his PhD from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. 

In 1965, Kerr published his most famous book, the Arab Cold War, right before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war kicked off. He then served as the President of the Middle East Studies Association during a time when things were extremely tense in the Middle East. Later, the Middle East Studies Association named an award in Kerr’s honor. 

In March 1982, during the Lebanese Civil War, Malcolm Kerr was formally appointed as the President of the AUB. He allowed Lebanese students to use the vacant buildings in AUB to avoid the incoming attack by the Israelis on West Beirut. When Israeli officials demanded Kerr allow the inspection of the AUB premises for terrorists, he categorically refused it. “If you’re looking for terrorists, look in your own army for those who’ve destroyed Beirut,” he refuted them. 

However, tragedy struck in 1984 when Malcolm was assassinated by two gunmen with suppressed firearms. This happened in the hallway right outside his office. The Islamic Jihad Organization claimed responsibility for his assassination. However, even years later, no concrete proof of the assassins’ identities or their motives has been found.

Steve Kerr was 19 at the time of this tragedy. Though his father couldn’t witness his son’s success, Malcolm Kerr would undoubtedly be proud of Steve’s accomplishments. Just like his wife Ann certainly is!