Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Head Coach, Becomes Team President

San Antonio, Texas – Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich will no longer serve as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs and is transitioning to a full-time role as the team’s president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Popovich, 76, has been with the Spurs since 1994 and has been head coach since the 1996-97 season. He holds the record for the most career wins in NBA history, with 1,422 regular-season victories, and has led the Spurs to five NBA championships.

After suffering a mild stroke in November, Popovich took a leave of absence from coaching this season. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over on an interim basis, leading the Spurs to a 31-45 record. Although Popovich remained involved in the team’s operations, he decided that the demands of coaching were too much, saying he could “no longer move forward with the taxing grind” of the job.

Popovich thanked the players, coaches, staff, and fans for their support during his tenure. In a statement, he said, “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach.”

Despite stepping back from coaching, Popovich has continued to contribute, attending practices and assisting Johnson this season. He was recently seen at the Spurs’ facility, indicating his ongoing commitment to the franchise.

Popovich is renowned for his successful run with stars like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, leading the franchise to 22 consecutive playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019. His coaching achievements, including three NBA Coach of the Year awards, solidify his legacy as a key figure in NBA history.

Now, with Popovich stepping aside, the title of longest-tenured active head coach in the NBA goes to Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, who has coached his team since the 2008-09 season. Popovich leaves a remarkable legacy, not only with his storied career in San Antonio but also with his role as head coach of the U.S. men’s national basketball team.