Spurs' long-time head coach, Gregg Popovich, resigns from position.
In an exciting shift, the San Antonio Spurs bid farewell to their longest-serving coach, Gregg Popovich, who will now assume the role of president of basketball operations. This announcement was made on a Friday, marking the end of an era for the basketball team.
Popovich, aging gracefully at 76, had to take a break from his coaching duties due to a stroke he suffered in November. Since then, he's been off the court, last coaching a game on October 31. In a heartfelt statement, he shared,
Popovich is a living basketball legend. He boasts an astounding 1,422 regular season wins, the highest tally in league history, and a respectable five NBA championships - a feat that ranks him third all-time along Phil Jackson (11) and Red Auerbach (9). In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The impact Popovich has had on the Spurs and the wider community is immense, as Peter J. Holt, the team's owner, eloquently put it,
Popovich, who's been leading the Spurs since 1996, has led the team to a staggering 170 playoff victories. His contribution doesn't end with the Spurs, as he led Team USA to a golden victory at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
As for the future of the Spurs, they have appointed Mitch Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson has proven his mettle, serving as interim coach since November 2024 following Popovich's health setback, leading the team to a respectable 32-45 record during that period. The Spurs faithful eagerly await the next chapter in the storied history of their beloved team.
- Mitch Johnson, who proved his coaching skills as the interim coach since Popovich's stroke in November 2024, has been appointed as the new head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
- Despite stepping down as head coach, Popovich will continue to contribute to the San Antonio Spurs in his new role as president of basketball operations, a position he will assume following his 29-year tenure as the team's coach.
- Popovich, who suffered a stroke in November, had to temporarily resign from coaching duties, but he will still be involved in the sports world, as demonstrated by his upcoming induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
- The San Antonio Spurs, now under the guidance of Coach Popovich as the president of basketball operations and Coach Johnson as the head coach, are looking forward to their next chapter, promising a new era for the team that values the accomplishments and legacy of its basketball legend, Gregg Popovich.
