Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Head Coach After Nearly 30 Years, Will Stay on as Team President
After nearly three decades at the helm, basketball icon Gregg Popovich is stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. The 76-year-old legend announced Friday that he will now focus solely on his duties as president of basketball operations—a role he’s held since 1994.
Popovich’s departure marks the end of one of the most remarkable coaching runs in NBA history. Over 29 seasons, he led the Spurs to five NBA championships and became the league’s all-time leader in both regular-season and playoff wins with a single team. His resume also includes three NBA Coach of the Year awards, a 2023 Hall of Fame induction, and an Olympic gold medal as head coach of Team USA in 2021.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them… and I’m excited to continue supporting the organization and the city I love.”
Popovich missed nearly all of the 2024 season after suffering a stroke on November 2 at the Spurs’ home arena. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over for the remainder of the season. Though Popovich expressed hopes in February of returning to the bench, a reported medical episode last month during a restaurant outing cast doubt on a full comeback.
He has not made any public appearances since the November incident but briefly addressed the team earlier this year.
Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt praised Popovich’s unparalleled impact on the organization and the city of San Antonio.
“Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound,” Holt said. “He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach.”
Popovich’s coaching journey began in 1996 when he dismissed then-head coach Bob Hill and named himself to the role. Since then, he became not only the face of the franchise but also a respected mentor and leader across the NBA.
While he may be stepping away from the sidelines, Popovich isn’t saying goodbye to basketball—or San Antonio. He’ll continue shaping the team’s future from the front office, where his legacy is sure to endure.
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