Abdelrahman
Gregg Popovich, the head coach of the Spurs, has dedicated nearly 35 years to the franchise.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has announced that he will not return to coaching for the remainder of this season, according to a statement issued today.
After meeting with team officials on Thursday, Popovich shared his decision regarding this season and expressed hopes for future coaching opportunities. The 76-year-old Popovich, who holds the record for the most coaching wins in NBA history, has been absent from the team since suffering a mild stroke at the Spurs’ arena in San Antonio on November 2.
In a team statement, Popovich remarked that he intends to focus on his recovery with aspirations of returning to coaching down the line. He conveyed his thoughts, saying, “I’ve made the decision not to return to the sidelines this season. Coach Mitch Johnson and his staff have managed exceptionally well, and the dedication and professionalism shown by the players during this challenging time have been commendable. My focus will remain on my health, with the hope of returning to coaching in the future.”
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 27, 2025
Throughout his absence, Popovich has kept in touch with Coach Johnson and some team staff members, and he has occasionally communicated with players. However, he has not been present at games or practices since his health incident.
This meeting occurred shortly after the Spurs revealed that their star center, Victor Wembanyama, who had been a strong contender for the Kia Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA selection, would be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis found in his right shoulder.
Wembanyama, the first overall draft pick in 2023 and a former professional player in France, has credited Popovich as his most significant influence in basketball.
“Pop is more than just a coach; he’s a leader,” Wembanyama, 21, stated earlier this month.
There has been little update regarding Popovich’s recovery, aside from the team’s assurance that he is expected to recuperate fully. Specific details about his condition following the stroke have not been disclosed by the team.
In 2023, Popovich signed a five-year contract extension that would keep him as head coach through the 2027-28 season. His only prior public comment about his health came in December, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the community during this time.
In that statement, while mentioning his hopes of returning to coaching, Popovich humorously added, “No one is more eager to see me back on the bench than the talented individuals who have been overseeing my rehabilitation. They’ve quickly discovered that I’m not the easiest person to coach.”
At the time of his stroke, Popovich had an impressive coaching record of 1,388 wins and 824 losses. Following his absence, the team’s record stands at 22 wins and 30 losses, with Johnson stepping in as head coach, which continues to be included in Popovich’s career totals as per league regulations.
Popovich boasts the longest tenure with a single team in NBA history, having led the Spurs to five championship titles and securing an Olympic gold medal for USA Basketball in 2021.
The stroke occurred at the team’s arena, and prompt treatment was available due to the presence of rescue personnel at the location. He was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility.
Among his many accolades, Popovich is one of only three coaches to win the NBA Coach of the Year Award thrice, alongside Don Nelson and Pat Riley. He is also one of five coaches with five or more NBA championships, joining the ranks of Phil Jackson (11 titles), Red Auerbach (9 titles), John Kundla (5 titles), and Riley (5 titles).
Having been with the Spurs for nearly 35 years, Popovich began as an assistant coach from 1988 to 1992, later returning as the executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager in 1994. He appointed himself as head coach on December 10, 1996, replacing Bob Hill.
This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.
