Warriors unveil major coaching hires and promotions

NBA Warriors unveil major coaching hires and promotions

By Ben Gale

September 18, 2026 • 12:02 AM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Warriors unveil major coaching hires and promotions

Just when the NBA’s about to heat up, the Golden State Warriors are making serious moves off the court. With training camp in Hawaii on the horizon and another shot at glory in their sights, the Warriors have gone public with a wave of staff changes that speak volumes about their direction as a franchise. Front and center is the official hiring of Frank Vogel as associate head coach—a move that’s been rumored for some time, but is now a done deal.

Vogel’s experience is the kind you want if you’re hoping to squeeze another title out of Steph Curry’s era. He’s done everything from taking the Indiana Pacers deep into the playoffs to steering the Lakers to a championship with LeBron and Anthony Davis. Vogel replaces Terry Stotts, so the change is hardly cosmetic—this is about expertise and a fresh set of ideas alongside Steve Kerr.

According to Yahoo Sports, Vogel’s journey covers just about every level of NBA coaching. After time away following his Lakers stint, a head coaching job in Phoenix, and a year as an assistant with the Mavericks, he now lands in Golden State looking to make an instant impact.

But it’s not just Vogel’s arrival that matters. The Warriors also announced a bundle of promotions and hires focused on player development, operations, and team culture. Ben Stelzer, previously head video coordinator, now takes on extra player development duties. Everett Dayton moves up to Director of Player Development and assistant coach. Tyler Larsen jumps from the Santa Cruz Warriors to the big league squad as a development coach.

On top of that, player development gets even deeper with Adam Fravert, John Wade, and Nate Karren joining as video associates. Tatianna Lampley steps into a new player engagement role, while Jason Staudt advances to Director of Pro Personnel after working as a pro scout. These changes pack the backroom with know-how and continuity—a clear sign the Warriors want every edge, not just on-court talent.

Warriors hire Frank Vogel as associate head coach
Ben Stelzer promoted to head video coordinator/player development coach
Everett Dayton elevated to director of player development/assistant coach
Tyler Larsen promoted from Santa Cruz to NBA squad as player development coach
Three new video associate hires for player development: Adam Fravert, John Wade, Nate Karren
Tatianna Lampley promoted to specialist of player engagement
Jason Staudt promoted to director of pro personnel
Eric Housen now senior VP of team operations, Bert Ortiz Jr. promoted to VP
Stephanie Weston hired as team massage therapist

Why these moves matter for the Warriors

Any NBA team talking about championships understands one thing: the margin for error is razor-thin. By loading up with familiar faces and proven operators, Golden State is making a statement. Vogel’s arrival, in particular, is more than a reshuffle—he’s got a track record with superstars and in high-pressure moments. That’s exactly what a title-chasing squad needs as Steve Kerr keeps the window open.

Staff stability and fresh insight

Promotions for the likes of Stelzer, Dayton, and Larsen mean Warriors’ player development is in trusted hands. You’re looking at internal continuity, while new voices like Fravert and company keep things from getting stale. It’s the right mix of experience, trust, and new energy.

Tying the front office and player experience closer

Operations also get a boost, with Eric Housen now the senior VP of team operations entering his 40th season (yes, 40!), and Bert Ortiz Jr. moving up as well. The hiring of Stephanie Weston is worth more than a footnote—player health and recovery are more important than ever, and getting someone with NBA experience is no accident.

Key takeaways for bettors and fans

Vogel’s arrival signals a tactical shift—expect new defensive schemes and bench leadership.
Promotions emphasize stability and reward continuity, which usually correlates with on-court buy-in.
Expanded player development roles show a focus on nurturing younger talent, which is critical for depth.
Operations upgrades support off-court performance, which can help weather injuries or adversity.
The franchise acts early, keeping distractions to a minimum before training camp.
For bettors, watch preseason odds around the Warriors’ defensive improvements and bench scoring.
The blend of new hires and internal promotions hints at a team that values both fresh ideas and veteran savvy.
Staff upgrades rarely move betting markets directly, but over a season they can be the edge that matters in tight games.

More coverage: latest NBA news, our NBA betting analysis and NBA expert picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frank Vogel officially joins the Golden State Warriors as their associate head coach, replacing Terry Stotts and bringing years of NBA experience to Steve Kerr’s staff.

The Warriors announced a series of promotions on the development side, including Ben Stelzer, Everett Dayton, Tyler Larsen, and the arrival of three new video associates.

Vogel’s background includes leading NBA teams deep into the playoffs and winning a championship with the Lakers. His experience should give the Warriors’ bench a tactical and motivational boost.

Yes, promotions and new hires have deepened the team’s player development department, with several staff taking on new responsibilities and fresh faces joining the fold.

With strong additions and internal promotions, the Warriors are reinforcing both their tactical approach and player support structures as they aim for another playoff run.

Stephanie Weston is the new team massage therapist for the Warriors. She previously worked for the Indiana Pacers as an assistant massage therapist.

Staff changes signal an intent to improve areas like defense, player health, and young player development, which could influence Warriors’ season-long performance and betting angles.