Gregg Popovich has officially retired from his role as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, marking the end of a remarkable nearly three-decade era. During his tenure, Popovich secured five NBA championships, became the all-time wins leader, and earned a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
In a statement, Popovich expressed that although his passion for the game remains, he has decided it is time to retire from coaching. However, he will continue to serve as team president. Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach who managed the team for the majority of this season, has been appointed the new head coach.
At 76, Popovich experienced a stroke at the arena on November 2, which kept him away from the court for all but five games this season. While he had shared intentions of returning, it’s now clear that he will not resume coaching duties. He extended his gratitude to players, staff, and fans, emphasizing his commitment to continue supporting the Spurs organization.
Popovich’s coaching record stands at 1,422 wins and 869 losses, incorporating the team’s performance under Johnson’s leadership this season. In the playoffs, he achieved 170 victories, positioning him third in history behind coaching legends Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
Famed as both an NBA and Olympic champion, Popovich was honored with three Coach of the Year awards and guided the U.S. to a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Under his leadership, numerous Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili thrived. Reflecting on a video he cherishes, Chris Paul recounted Popovich’s relentless work ethic during the brief period he played for the Spurs, noting his commitment to rehabilitation following the stroke.
Popovich’s coaching career with the Spurs began in a rather unexpected fashion as he promoted himself from general manager to head coach in 1996. This move transformed the Spurs’ trajectory, leading to consistent success, including five NBA titles from 1999 to 2014. His leadership ensured 22 seasons of winning records, maintaining a level of excellence often unmatched.
The team is now building around the promising French talent, Victor Wembanyama, suggested to be the next great star to grace San Antonio, showing the franchise isn’t veering from pursuing greatness even without Popovich as coach.
Popovich’s basketball journey started at the U.S. Air Force Academy, later becoming a revered coach despite not making the 1972 U.S. Olympic team. His path progressed to the NBA, where he eventually forged an unmatched career alongside Spurs stalwarts like Robinson and Duncan.
Known for his sometimes gruff demeanor, Popovich also revealed a more personal side, supporting initiatives such as the San Antonio Food Bank and immersing himself in political discourse. Those who have worked closely with him, such as Jayson Tatum and Larry Brown, regard him as not only a coaching genius but an extraordinary individual.
Perhaps one of his less celebrated yet significant contributions to the league was the hiring of Becky Hammon as the NBA’s first female full-time assistant coach. Hammon’s success as a coach in the WNBA today reflects Popovich’s keen eye for talent regardless of gender.
His influence extended beyond the NBA, as he served as head coach for the U.S. national teams in international competitions, including winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics following an initially disappointing World Cup result.
Popovich’s commitment to the game was as profound off the court as on it, leaving a legacy characterized by a blend of coaching excellence, steadfast leadership, and a deeply rooted love for both basketball and his country. His remarkable journey stands as a towering testament to the impact he had on the sport and the lives he touched.