San Antonio Spurs' Coach Popovich Announces Retirement, Takes on President Role

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Bid adieu to the almighty Gregg Popovich, who's called it quits after an astounding 29-year coaching stint with the San Antonio Spurs.

Pop, who's 76 years young, faced a setback in November when he battled through a mild stroke. After a rocky recovery, he huddled with the Spurs squad on February 27 to break the news that he wouldn't be stepping onto the sidelines this season. His health took another blow on April 15, as he was hospitalized following a health scare at a San Antonio eatery.

With over 1,422 regular-season triumphs and five championships to his name, Pop ends his coaching career as a living legend. He's a three-time Coach of the Year winner – the most in league history – and ranks third in career playoff victories.

"Although my unwavering passion for the game persists, I've chosen to hang up my coach's whistle," Pop stated in a statement. "I'm deeply indebted to the exceptional players, coaches, staff, and fans who let me guide them as the Spurs head coach. I eagerly anticipate my new role as team president, which gives me the chance to continue supporting the organization, community, and city that mean the world to me."

It's not all bad news, though. Pop will be moving into the role of President of Basketball Operations. This putting it all full circle, as he once served as the team's general manager from 1994-96.

Now, Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra, who's been at the helm for 16 years, holds the title of the longest-tenured active head coach. Steve Kerr, who played under Pop at one point, follows closely behind in the Golden State Warriors' dugout.

Mitch Johnson, who's held down the fort as Pop's interim replacement, has stepped up to take over the coaching reins permanently.

The Spurs managed a 31-45 record under Johnson. Factors like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox missing key games in the latter part of the season played a significant role in the team's performance.

Johnson played college ball at Stanford and in the G League, as well as overseas. He joined the Spurs organization back in 2016 as an assistant coach for their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.

"I am beyond grateful and honored to receive this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Johnson said in the team's statement. "I am thankful to Pop, RC [Buford], Brian [Wright], and Peter J. Holt for entrusting me to carry on our culture and I vow to give this responsibility every ounce of love and commitment I've got, so Spurs fans can cheer with pride."

It's bittersweet that Pop couldn't retire on his own terms, but his health undeniably takes priority.

Enrichment Insights:- Gregg Popovich's coaching record with the San Antonio Spurs includes 1,422 wins and 869 losses (including games coached by interim coach Mitch Johnson), making him the only coach to win 1,400 games or more with one team in the history of the NBA.- Popovich won three Coach of the Year awards – more than any other coach in league history – and ranks third in career playoff victories, with 170 wins, the most by any coach with one team in the history of the NBA.- Popovich's decision to retire from coaching and take on the role of President of Basketball Operations will allow him to stay involved with the Spurs' organization while navigating his health concerns.- Mitch Johnson, who's been with the Spurs organization since 2016, has built a strong rapport with key players such as De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, providing a sense of continuity for the team as the new head coach.

Gregg Popovich, the esteemed coach who lost 869 games in his 29-year tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, has now transitioned to the role of President of Basketball Operations.
Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach for the Spurs' G League affiliate, took over as the team's interim coach following Popovich's stroke and was later appointed as the permanent head coach, garnering a 31-45 record during his first season.
Johnson's coaching debut saw key absences from players like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, which notably impacted the team's performance in the latter part of the season.
Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat now holds the title of the longest-tenured active head coach with 16 years under his belt, following Popovich's retirement.
Steve Kerr, a former player under Popovich, coaches the Golden State Warriors and is just behind Spoelstra in terms of coaching tenure.