In a significant shift for the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich announced his retirement from coaching on Friday after an illustrious 30-year tenure. Under his leadership, the team secured five NBA championships, and he became the winningest coach in NBA history, earning a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich stated.
Remaining with the organization as team president, the coaching mantle will now be passed to Mitch Johnson, a Spurs assistant who took over coaching duties for the final 77 games of the season.
At 76, Popovich had been largely absent this season due to a stroke suffered at the Spurs’ arena on November 2, appearing in only five games. Though he had expressed hope of returning to coaching, that possibility has now been set aside.
“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,” Popovich reflected.
Popovich ends his coaching career with a record of 1,422-869, accounting for the 77 games overseen by Johnson, which resulted in 32 wins and 45 losses. His 170 playoff victories are the highest with a single team, trailing only Phil Jackson and Pat Riley in overall playoff wins.
An NBA and Olympic Champion
Popovich’s accolades include three NBA Coach of the Year awards and leading Team USA to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Throughout his career, he coached six Hall of Famers in San Antonio: Manu Ginobili, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Dominique Wilkins, and Pau Gasol. During his tenure, he faced 170 different NBA coaches, while 303 coaching changes occurred across the league.
Chris Paul, who joined the Spurs inspired by Popovich’s reputation, shared a fond memory: “I’ve got a video on my phone that’s, like, priceless. It was us in Oklahoma City, before shootaround, and Pop is doing ballhandling stuff. All these years I’ve always seen Pop coaching in a suit, but I didn’t know how hard of a worker he was when it comes to training.”
This dedication persisted even after his stroke, as Paul observed: “I was the first one to get to the arena for games, and I would walk past the training room and Pop would be on the treadmill. I actually had a chance to be in there while Pop is doing rehab or whatnot. So, to see how hard he works, that’s what I’m glad I got a chance to see. It had nothing to do with basketball. It just showed who he is.”
He Took Over in 1996
Popovich’s journey with the Spurs began in 1996 when, as general manager, he dismissed coach Bob Hill and appointed himself head coach on December 10. At the time, the team was struggling with a 3-15 record, largely due to Robinson’s absence due to injury. Popovich took the reins the day Robinson returned.
“A change in direction was necessary,” Popovich remarked at the time.
Under his guidance, the Spurs never looked back, with managing partner Peter J. Holt noting, “Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound.”
The Spurs’ fortunes turned with the top pick of Tim Duncan in the 1997 draft, leading to championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Over the first 22 years of his head coaching role, the Spurs consistently maintained winning records.
Popovich’s decision to retire comes as the Spurs are in the process of rebuilding around French star Victor Wembanyama, who is anticipated to follow in the footsteps of San Antonio’s greats.
How He Started
Popovich’s coaching career began at the U.S. Air Force Academy and later at Pomona-Pitzer, a Division III school in California. Despite an 88-game losing streak before his arrival, he swiftly led the team to a conference title.
In the NBA, Popovich’s partnership with Robinson, Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili created a dynasty. Larry Brown once said, “Everyone knows the amazing job he’s done and all the accomplishments. I wish more people really could know the type of person that he is.”
Despite his gruff demeanor with the media, Popovich was known for his humor and commitment to causes like the San Antonio Food Bank. Boston forward Jayson Tatum, who played under Popovich during the Tokyo Olympics, shared, “He has an amazing sense of humor. I guess the casual fan sees the person who does those interviews postgame, but that’s not the case of who he is at all. I absolutely love spending time with him.”
Even in defeat, Popovich demonstrated sportsmanship. After a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat in the 2013 NBA Finals, he graciously congratulated Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who said, “He’s always just been an incredible example of class, dignity.”
Spoelstra, now the longest-tenured NBA coach, appreciated Popovich’s grace during their finals rematch in 2014, despite the Spurs emerging victorious.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr simply stated, “There is no one out there like Pop.”
A Tenure Like Almost None Other
Popovich’s 29-year tenure with the Spurs is a rarity in major U.S. professional sports, surpassed only by legends like Connie Mack, George Halas, and John McGraw. His longevity matches that of NFL icons Tom Landry and Curly Lambeau.
“It means I’m old,” Popovich quipped last year.
Breaking barriers, he hired Becky Hammon, the NBA’s first female full-time assistant coach, who also became the league’s first female head coach in a summer league and acting head coach during a game in 2020.
South Carolina women’s coach Dawn Staley praised Popovich’s progressive mindset: “Basketball is basketball. It doesn’t have a gender. It has a mind. It has an approach. It has a willingness. Given the opportunity, women can excel in this game. As you can see. Becky Hammon is doing a great job. You need more people like Coach Popovich to give them opportunities to learn, to grow, and to embrace it.”
Popovich’s discretion extended to his coaching strategies, with a military-like secrecy attributed to his U.S. Air Force Academy background. He also coached the U.S. national team, winning Olympic gold in Tokyo.
Popovich remarked on the honor of coaching the national team: “It’s impossible to separate it if you have been in the military… when you have an opportunity to do this for your country, it’s impossible to say no. I love being part of it.”
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