Gregg Popovich: The End of an Era in San Antonio

Gregg Popovich: The End of an Era in San Antonio

Introduction

Gregg Popovich, born January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. With a career spanning nearly three decades with the San Antonio Spurs, Popovich led the team to five NBA championships, amassed the most coaching wins in league history (1,412 regular-season victories), and earned a reputation as a master strategist and cultural architect. On May 2, 2025, Popovich stepped down as head coach of the Spurs, transitioning to a full-time role as team president of basketball operations, marking the end of an era. This article explores his remarkable career, recent health challenges, the reasons behind his departure from coaching, and his enduring legacy as the Spurs chart a new course under interim head coach Mitch Johnson.

Early Life and Path to Coaching

Popovich’s journey to NBA greatness began modestly. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in 1970, he played basketball for the Falcons and briefly considered a career in intelligence before pivoting to coaching. After serving as an assistant coach at Air Force and Pomona-Pitzer, he joined the Spurs in 1988 as an assistant under Larry Brown. His early career included a stint with the Golden State Warriors under Don Nelson, but he returned to San Antonio in 1994 as general manager. In December 1996, after firing coach Bob Hill following a 3-15 start, Popovich took over as head coach, a role he would hold for 29 seasons.

The Spurs Dynasty: Building a Legacy

Popovich’s tenure transformed the Spurs into a model NBA franchise. His partnership with Tim Duncan, drafted in 1997, laid the foundation for a dynasty. Alongside stars like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and later Kawhi Leonard, Popovich led the Spurs to NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Known for his “Spurs Way”—a culture of selflessness, discipline, and adaptability—Popovich fostered an environment where players thrived. His coaching tree, including Mike Budenholzer, Steve Kerr, and Ime Udoka, reflects his influence across the league.

Popovich’s strategic brilliance was evident in his use of pace-and-space offenses, defensive versatility, and player development. He turned late draft picks like Parker (28th overall) and Ginobili (57th) into Hall of Famers. His record—1,412 wins and a .621 winning percentage—places him among the NBA’s elite. Beyond stats, Popovich’s willingness to speak out on social issues, from racial justice to political accountability, made him a respected figure off the court. His leadership also extended internationally, coaching Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Health Challenges and Stepping Away

Popovich’s final years as coach were marred by health struggles. On November 2, 2024, he suffered a mild stroke at the Frost Bank Center, sidelining him for the 2024-25 season. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over as interim head coach, guiding a rebuilding Spurs team centered around star Victor Wembanyama. Popovich was expected to recover fully, and by March 2025, he was “ahead of schedule,” addressing the team with his trademark wit and intensity.

However, on April 15, 2025, Popovich experienced another medical incident at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in San Antonio, where he fainted during dinner. He was hospitalized but returned home stable, with no life-threatening conditions reported. This second scare, coming months after his stroke, raised concerns about his ability to endure the grueling demands of NBA coaching at age 76. Despite his desire to return to the sideline, Popovich announced on May 2, 2025, that he would step down as head coach, transitioning to a full-time front-office role as team president.

The Decision to Step Down

Popovich’s decision was driven by health considerations and a recognition that the “taxing grind” of coaching was no longer sustainable. Sources indicate he had been active at the Spurs’ facility in recent days, but after discussions with CEO RC Buford and general manager Brian Wright, he concluded that focusing on his health and front-office duties was the best path forward. The Spurs, who finished the 2024-25 season at 34-48 and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, are in a rebuilding phase, with Wembanyama as the cornerstone. Popovich’s move to the front office ensures he remains a guiding force in shaping the team’s future.

Mitch Johnson, a Spurs assistant since 2016, was named the new head coach, maintaining the continuity of Popovich’s system. Johnson’s appointment reflects the organization’s trust in the “Spurs Way,” a culture Popovich instilled that has seen former assistants and players like Tony Parker and Mike Brown return to the franchise.

Legacy and Impact

Popovich’s impact on basketball is immeasurable. His five championships and 170 playoff wins rank among the NBA’s best, and his ability to adapt across eras—from the twin-towers era with Duncan and Robinson to the modern game with Wembanyama—demonstrates his genius. Players like Chris Paul, who joined the Spurs in 2024, praised Popovich’s mentorship, even if their time together was cut short. Steve Kerr, a former Spurs player and current Warriors coach, called Popovich “one of the most important people in my life” after visiting him in March 2025.

Off the court, Popovich’s outspokenness on issues like systemic racism and political divisiveness earned him both admiration and criticism. His ability to connect with players, from superstars to role players, created a family-like atmosphere in San Antonio. The Spurs’ sustained excellence—22 straight playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019—set a standard for consistency.

The Future of the Spurs

As team president, Popovich will oversee basketball operations, working with Buford and Wright to build around Wembanyama, who faced his own health challenges in 2024-25 with a shoulder blood clot. The Spurs’ rebuild, which saw back-to-back 22-60 seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24, is gaining traction, and Popovich’s strategic vision will be critical. Johnson, now tasked with coaching a young roster, inherits a legacy of excellence but faces pressure to deliver results in a competitive Western Conference.

Conclusion

Gregg Popovich’s decision to step down as Spurs head coach closes a chapter in NBA history. His 29-year tenure redefined coaching excellence, blending tactical brilliance with human connection. While health challenges forced him off the sideline, his transition to team president ensures his influence endures. As the Spurs look to the future, Popovich’s “Spurs Way” remains the bedrock of a franchise poised for its next great era. Fans and players alike will forever cherish “Coach Pop,” a Hall of Famer whose legacy transcends basketball.