Gregg Popovich’s legendary coaching career has officially come to an end.
Popovich stepped down from the role he occupied for three decades, but will transition as the San Antonio Spurs’ president of basketball operations.
Coach Pop transitions to Spurs President of Basketball Operations
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 2, 2025
Mitch Johnson, who took over as the Spurs' interim tactician in Popovich's absence this season, was named as the new head coach of the team.
We’re pleased to announce Mitch Johnson as our new head coach
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 2, 2025
The 76-year-old missed all but five games this season due to medical issues, as San Antonio missed the playoffs anew after finishing with a 34-48 win-loss record.
“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 spoke in a statement.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama penned a heartfelt message to the first coach he played for in the NBA. The 2024 Rookie of the Year is currently recovering from the deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder that ended the 21-year-old's sophomore season early.
"Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created… But most importantly for being a great and inspiring person. It was an honor to be a part of those 29 years. Wishing you the best on your new chapter." Wemby wrote in a post.
Pop ended his career as the winningest coach of all-time, amassing 1,422 victories in 30 seasons. He also tallied 130 playoff dubs, the most by any head tactician in one team and the third-most overall behind Phil Jackson (229) and Pat Riley (171).
A three-time NBA coach of the Year, he won five titles while coaching the likes of Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
“Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound,” Spurs owner Peter J. Holt said in a statement.
He added: “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.”
Popovich also won gold for USA Basketball in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and got inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
