NBA: Gregg Popovich Stepping Down As Spurs’ Head Coach After 29 Years

He will be transitioning into a role as the team's president.

San Antonio Spurs president Gregg Popovich speaks to members of the media with his hands in his pockets.

NBA Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich will be stepping down as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs to become the team’s president, the organization announced earlier today. Popovich had to leave the team in November 2024 after suffering a stroke and later announced in February that he would not be returning to the team for the 2024-25 season.

“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” said Popovich in a statement. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach, and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community, and city that are so meaningful to me.”

During his illustrious 29-year head coaching career, Gregg Popovich won five championships on his way to becoming the winningest coach in NBA history. In 2023, he was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs, and the game of basketball is profound,” said Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt. “His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader, and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.”

The team also announced that interim coach Mitch Johnson will become the Spurs’ permanent head coach. In Popovich’s absence, Johnson led San Antonio to a 31-45 record.

“We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,” said Peter J. Holt. “Throughout his decade in the organization, we have seen that Mitch has the right values, poise, and potential to lead us into the future.”

Johnson first served as the Spurs’ assistant head coach from 2019 to 2024 before taking over for Gregg Popovich. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach for the NBA G-League’s Austin Spurs and Portland Pilots.

“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,” Johnson said. “I am thankful for Coach Pop, RC (Buford), Brian (Wright), and Peter trusting me to carry on our culture, and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.”

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