Gregg Popovich Announces He Won’t Coach This Season After Stroke

San Antonio, Texas — NBA Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich confirmed Thursday he will not return to coach the San Antonio Spurs this season after suffering a stroke in November 2023. The announcement came during an emotional in-person meeting with his players, who saw him for the first time since his health setback.

In a statement, Popovich, who turned 76 in January, expressed gratitude towards his coaching staff and the team’s resilience during a challenging season. “I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” he said. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job, and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown has been outstanding. I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future.”

Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,412 regular-season victories and five championships, has been absent from the sidelines since October 31, 2023, following what the Spurs called a “mild stroke” at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. He was treated immediately but was not seen at games or practices during his recovery.

Tears were shed in Thursday’s meeting, where Popovich spoke about his health journey and shared motivational messages, critiques, and laughter, reflecting his coaching style. “Pop isn’t just a coach or a boss. Pop is a leader,” rookie Victor Wembanyama said, who referred to Popovich as his biggest basketball influence.

Since Popovich’s absence, the Spurs have registered a 22-30 record under interim head coach Mitch Johnson. The team announced Wembanyama, an All-Star center and a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, would miss the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Popovich’s health updates had been infrequent since his stroke, with his last public comments occurring in mid-December when he expressed gratitude for the support he received during these difficult times. “The outpouring of support has been truly overwhelming,” he said. “While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful.”

As he continues his rehabilitation, the future remains uncertain for Popovich and the Spurs, who currently sit 13th in the Western Conference. The team hired Popovich in 1996, and he has since become a staple of the franchise, leading them to extensive success and earning three NBA Coach of the Year awards.

While Popovich’s current health conditions have not been fully disclosed, sources noted a strong hope for his eventual return to coaching, suggesting his passion for the NBA and the Spurs remains indelibly intact.