San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich announced his resignation on Friday, marking the end of a remarkable 29-year tenure during which he led the team to five NBA championships. Popovich, who is 76 years old, also became the NBA’s all-time winningest coach and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Despite stepping down as head coach, he will continue to serve as the team's president. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson, who took over during the last season after Popovich suffered a stroke, has been promoted to head coach.
Popovich’s coaching career concluded with an impressive record of 1,422 wins and 869 losses, including his 32 wins and 45 losses during the two seasons he coached before stepping down. His playoff success also stands out, with 170 wins, the most for any coach with a single team, ranking third overall in NBA history behind Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
Reflecting on his time with the Spurs, Popovich expressed gratitude towards the players, coaches, staff, and fans, stating, "While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach." He noted the significance of continuing to support the organization and community that he cherishes.
After suffering a stroke in November 2022, Popovich missed most of the current season but had initially hoped to return to coaching. Nevertheless, he ultimately decided to step back. His coaching legacy includes winning three Coach of the Year awards and guiding the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Tokyo, while also coaching six Hall of Famers in the NBA.
Popovich took over as head coach of the Spurs on December 10, 1996, after firing Bob Hill during a struggling season. The arrival of future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan with the first overall pick in the 1997 draft transformed the Spurs, leading to championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Under Popovich, the Spurs consistently maintained winning records, winning at least 60% of their games in his first 20 seasons.
As Popovich leaves the coaching role, the Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild centered around Victor Wembanyama, a highly regarded French talent who has generated excitement around his potential to become a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Popovich's impact extended beyond the court, known for his candor and humor. He broke barriers in the league, hiring Becky Hammon as the first female full-time paid assistant coach. His coaching philosophy emphasized opportunity and merit, regardless of gender. Moreover, Popovich embraced social and political issues, becoming a revered figure within and beyond the basketball community.
His era in San Antonio is unparalleled in U.S. professional sports, rivaling that of legendary figures such as Connie Mack and George Halas. Throughout his time, Popovich maintained a unique blend of discipline and compassion, often exemplified in his interactions with players and competitors alike. As he steps away from head coaching duties, his indelible mark on the Spurs organization and the NBA is undeniable. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the game and impacted countless lives over nearly three decades.
