After 29 historic seasons as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich has announced his retirement as head coach of the team. At 76 years old, Popovich will step down as head coach to take on the role of president of basketball operations for the franchise, marking the end of an era in the NBA.
An Unparalleled Legacy
Popovich is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. During his career, he won five NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014) and was named Coach of the Year three times. In 2022, he became the winningest coach in league history, with 1,336 regular-season victories. His contributions also include winning the gold medal with the U.S. team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Health and Transition
The decision to step away from the court was influenced by health issues. In November 2024, Popovich suffered a mild stroke, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024–25 season. During his absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over as head coach. In May 2025, Popovich officially stepped down as head coach, taking over as president of basketball operations for the franchise.
Gregg Popovich Champion with NBA Legends
Tributes and Recognition
Popovich’s retirement sparked an outpouring of tributes from the basketball world. Former players and fellow professionals expressed their admiration and gratitude. Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka highlighted Popovich’s influence on his career, while Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Popovich’s focus on human connections and values beyond game tactics.
The Future of Spurs
With Popovich’s departure, Mitch Johnson has been named the new head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson, who has served as an assistant since 2016, expressed honor and gratitude in taking on the role, promising dedication to the team’s fans.
Gregg Popovich Wins with NBA Legends Trio Tony Parker, Manu Ginobilli and Tim Duncan
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Conclusion
Gregg Popovich’s transition to president of basketball operations marks the beginning of a new era for the Spurs. His coaching legacy will remain one of the most notable in NBA history, and his influence will continue to shape the future of the franchise.
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