Steve Kerr is taking coaching insights from Ted Lasso

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr thinks there are valuable coaching lessons in the Apple TV series Ted Lasso.

Steve Kerr was an early supporter of Apple TV’s hit series Ted Lasso. Long before the rest of us caught on, the Golden State Warriors head coach was already a diehard. And a vocal one at that.

It probably doesn’t hurt that one of his children works on the show, but Kerr clearly admires the leadership and coaching style of the title character, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis.

“If there is a lesson on the show, it is that culture beats scheme,” Kerr told the Wall Street Journal. “The guy knows nothing about soccer, but he has created a great atmosphere with the club that leads to winning.”

Like Ted Lasso, Steve Kerr tries to make winning fun

Given Kerr’s penchant for empowering his players on and off the court, he’s perhaps the NBA coach who Sudeikis’ character most resembles. The two obviously differ dramatically in their background in their respective sports — Kerr won five NBA championships as a player, after all. But their approach to coaching is remarkably similar.

Since taking over the helm for the Warriors back in 2014, Kerr has been widely praised for the free-flowing, adaptable playing style he’s instilled in his team. He’s been known to write personal letters to players — something Lasso does as well — and seems to intuitively know when and how to push players buttons.

Making winning fun is Steve Kerr’s MO. With three rings already as a coach, we’d say he’s damn good at it. Time will tell if the approach will work as well for Ted Lasso. Season two premieres on Friday, July 23.