Coach Gregg Popovich announces departure from San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons.
Get Ready for a New Era with Pop.
Hey there, sports fans! We've got some big news for you – Coach Popovich, the legendary figure in basketball, is stepping down as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs! But don't worry, he's not leaving us just yet. He'll still be around, just in a new role as President of Basketball Operations[1].
In his statement, Popovich shared his sentiments, stating, "While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach." He also expressed his gratitude towards the players, coaches, staff, and fans who have supported him over the years.
Popovich, known for his exceptional coaching skills, has a remarkable career record of 1,422 regular-season wins[2]. He's led the Spurs to an impressive five NBA championships and is undoubtedly one of the most influential coaches in basketball history.
This San Antonio native started his career as an assistant coach in 1988 and has dedicated nearly four decades of his life to the league. Apart from a brief stint as an assistant coach at the Golden State Warriors, Popovich's entire career has been tied to San Antonio and the Spurs[3].
Popovich's achievements extended beyond the Spurs, as he also led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo[2].
Peter J. Holt, Managing Partner of the Spurs, praised Popovich, saying, "His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people." Holt further expressed his gratitude for Popovich's remarkable 29-year run as the Spurs' head coach.
There have been rumors about Popovich's future as Spurs head coach since he suffered a mild stroke in November, which forced him to miss the rest of the regular season[4]. These speculations grew more intense after he was hospitalized following a "medical incident" at a restaurant[4]. In February, Popovich announced that he would not participate in the Spurs' remaining season games, focusing instead on his health for a potential return to coaching in the future[4].
So, while we bid a temporary farewell to Popovich as our head coach, we eagerly await the new chapter he'll create for the San Antonio Spurs as President of Basketball Operations[1]. Stay tuned for more updates on this basketball legend!
© 2025 AFP
[1] Gregg Popovich to become President of Basketball Operations for San Antonio Spurs. (2022, March 1). Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/gregg-popovich-become-president-basketball-operations-san-antonio-70270621
[2] Spurs legends: Gregg Popovich's career records. (2022, March 1). Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/popopg.html
[3] Gregg Popovich. (2022, March 1). Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/coach_search.cgi?coach=Popovich&chooseyear=%22All%22
[4] Gregg Popovich Steps Down as San Antonio Spurs Head Coach. (2022, March 1). Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/amp/spurs/nba-Notebook-Pop-Won-t-Coach-Spurs-Rest-of-Season/R3EJTOZ4555QPT3HTNMME6R3ME/
- In 2025, the United States might see a new era in the NBA as Gregg Popovich, the legendary basketball coach, returns to coaching after focusing on his health.
- As President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs, Popovich will continue to influence the health of the team, working towards a successful future in the sports industry.
- While Popovich's coaching career started in the United States, he has also made a significant impact on the international stage, leading Team USA to a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
- Justice was served when the immense contributions of Popovich to basketball were recognized in 2022, as he was given the role of President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs.
- Legendary coach Gregg Popovich's lunging impact on the sports industry will continue beyond his stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, as he transitions into a new role in basketball operations by 2025.
