NBA's victorious coaching titan, Gregg Popovich, relinquishes position as San Antonio Spurs coach.
Farewell to the Legend: Gregg Popovich Steps Down from Spurs after Historic Run
Gregg Popovich bid adieu to the San Antonio Spurs, concluding a three-decade reign that saw him lead the team to five NBA championships, become the league's all-time wins leader, and secure a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
"With a heavy heart, I announce my departure from the coaching arena," Popovich declared. "While my love for the game remains unwavering, it's time to hang up my whistle and coach's clipboard."
That said, he plans to stay on as the team president. Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach who filled in for Popovich during the final 77 games this season, is set to take over as head coach.
Popovich, 76, missed most of this season due to a stroke, marking his first serious health setback. Despite this, he continued to work tirelessly on his rehabilitation process.
"Gregg Popovich's impact on basketball is immeasurable," said Spurs great Manu Ginobili. "His dedication, discipline, and strategic acumen transformed the Spurs into a formidable force."
Popovich's career stats read a staggering 1,422-869, including the 77 wins and 45 losses under Johnson this season. He also racked up an impressive 170 playoff wins with the Spurs, a record for any coach with a single team.
Popovich was three-time Coach of the Year, led the U.S. to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and coached six Hall of Famers during his tenure with the Spurs. During his time in the NBA, he faced off against 170 different coaches, with 303 coaching changes being made during the Popovich era.
Chris Paul, who played for the Spurs this past season, spoke about Popovich's relentless commitment to basketball:
"I have a video on my phone that's, like, priceless. It was us in Oklahoma City, before shootaround, and Pop was working on ballhandling drills. I didn't realize how hard he trained until I saw him after the stroke."
Popovich took over as coach of the Spurs in 1996, after serving as general manager and firing coach Bob Hill. The timing seemed unfortunate, given the team's dismal 3-15 record so far in the season. However, this change marked the beginning of a storied era, with Popovich leading the team to five championships and 22 winning seasons out of his first 22 years as head coach.
"Popovich's departure leaves a gaping hole in the basketball community," stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "His impact on the game, both on and off the court, elevated the Spurs to unprecedented heights."
His career began at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, a Division III program in California. Despite initially losing 88 consecutive conference games, Popovich quickly turned the team's fortunes around, eventually leading the way to a conference championship.
As Popovich steps away, the reins of the Spurs' dynasty are handed over to Johnson, who has shown promising potential throughout his time as assistant coach. Despite his departure from the active coaching ranks, Popovich remains an integral figure in the Spurs' organization, guaranteeing that his influence will continue to shape the team's future.
- Gregg Popovich, once the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, will now serve as the team president after stepping down from the coaching arena.
- Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach who acted as Popovich's stand-in during the final 77 games of this season, is set to take over as head coach.
- After a first serious health setback, a stroke, Popovich, now 76, continued to work diligently on his rehabilitation process.
- Popovich's legacy in basketball is immeasurable, with his dedication, discipline, and strategic acumen transforming the Spurs into a formidable force.
- Despite missing most of this season, Popovich's career stats still read a remarkable 1,422-869, including 77 wins and 45 losses under Johnson this season.
- Born in California, Popovich began his career at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, a Division III program, where he eventually led the team to a conference championship, overcoming an initial losing streak of 88 consecutive conference games.
