The 2024–25 NBA season has been filled with coaching chaos from surprise firings to franchise shakeups. In just the last month alone, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer were both shown the door.
But now, there’s a twist in the narrative. Unlike the abrupt firings that dominated headlines, the story surrounding San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is one of choice, legacy, and transition.
Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Head Coach
According to a recent report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Popovich has decided to transition fully into his front office role as the team’s president. He is officially closing the chapter on one of the most iconic coaching tenures in NBA history.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach. 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,” said Popovich in a statement.
BREAKING: Gregg Popovich will no longer be Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs and is transitioning full-time to Team President, sources told ESPN. The iconic Popovich is a Basketball Hall of Famer, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, and led the Spurs to five championships. pic.twitter.com/mbtUtpgA4V
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Popovich had been largely absent from the sidelines this season and had only been able to coach five games before suffering a stroke at the Frost Bank Center on November 2.
Since then, the Hall of Famer has remained out of the public eye, but he did address the team on at least one occasion in March, suggesting he intended to return to coaching. But it now appears that the return won’t happen.
While NBA fans may never see “Pop” stalking the sidelines again, his imprint on the game is everlasting. Popovich’s departure marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one, both for him and the Spurs.
Popovich’s Coaching Stint in a Nutshell
Popovich began his NBA coaching career in 1988 as an assistant coach for San Antonio.
In 1994, Popovich took the GM and VP of basketball operations roles for the Spurs, soon after his short time as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. In 1996, Popovich named himself head coach.
Moreover, he is widely regarded as the winningest coach in NBA history due to his unparalleled consistency and success. He holds the record for the most wins by a head coach, surpassing Don Nelson in 2022.
Through Popovich’s leadership, the Spurs won five NBA championship titles, while he received three Coach of the Year awards, and his guidance helped Team USA secure the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
His legacy is not just in wins but in the culture of teamwork, humility, and excellence he instilled in San Antonio.
