Gregg Popovich has announced he will not be returning to coach the San Antonio Spurs this season but hasn’t dismissed the idea of a future comeback. After meeting with the Spurs on Thursday, Popovich released a statement to inform everyone about his decision for this season and his hopes for the future. Having had a stroke at the team’s San Antonio arena on November 2, the 76-year-old, who leads the NBA in all-time coaching wins, has been absent since the incident.
“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” Popovich stated, adding praise for acting coach Mitch Johnson and his staff who have demonstrated resilience and professionalism amid this challenging season. Popovich maintained regular contact with Johnson and some team officials while occasionally communicating with players, although he hasn’t been spotted at games or practices following his stroke.
Popovich is focusing on his recovery, expressing hope of returning to a coaching role in the future. His visit to the team coincided with the Spurs’ announcement concerning star center Victor Wembanyama. The 2023 NBA draft’s top pick, who admired Popovich as his most significant basketball influence, is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder.
Wembanyama, who was previously a pro in France, regards Popovich as not just a coach or superior but a true leader. Popovich’s rehabilitation updates have been sparse, with the team claiming a full recovery is expected but not sharing specifics about his condition since the stroke.
Back in 2023, Popovich inked a five-year contract extension with the Spurs, extending his tenure until the 2027-28 season. Before Thursday, his only public comment regarding his health and coaching future came in mid-December when he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received. In a humorous note, Popovich admitted in December that he is eager to be back on the bench, stating that no one is more excited than those guiding his recovery, who have found him “less than coachable.” Popovich’s pre-stroke record was at 1,388-824, with the team’s 22-30 record under Johnson’s leadership being added by the league rules, as Popovich remains the official head coach.
Having engaged with the Spurs across more games than any other coach, Popovich led them to five NBA championships and the 2021 Olympic gold medal with USA Basketball at the Tokyo Games. Alongside legendary figures like Don Nelson and Pat Riley, Popovich is one of three coaches to secure the NBA Coach of the Year award three times and stands among only five coaches boasting at least five NBA titles.
Accumulating 35 years with the Spurs, Popovich’s journey began as an assistant coach from 1988 to 1992, before returning on May 31, 1994, as executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. On December 10, 1996, he repositioned himself as the head coach after dismissing Bob Hill, continuing to lead the team ever since.
Johnson, reflecting on his career growth under Popovich during the team’s Paris visit for games against the Indiana Pacers, said, “I’ve been blessed to be able to grow in my voice and be empowered by him in many ways.” He also shared that their communication remains constant even during Popovich’s recovery, noting his mentor’s competitive spirit and candid feedback paired with his signature blend of praise and critique.
