Legendary basketball figure, Gregg Popovich, is set to transition from his role as Head Coach of San Antonio Spurs, where he is expected to become President of Basketball Operations, bringing an end to a 29-year spell on the job as Head Coach.
Popovich has enjoyed a 37-year career in the NBA, first joining Spurs as Assistant Coach in 1988, before spending two seasons at Golden State Warriors in the same role between 1992-94, before returning to San Antonio where he has remained until date.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as Head Coach,” Popovich said in a statement on Friday. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs Head Coach.
Popovich added, “I am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organisation, community and city that are so meaningful to me.”
The 76-year-old is the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,422 regular season wins to his name and won five championships during his near three-decade spell as coach, with the last championship coming in 2014. He has also been named Coach of the Year three times.
Popovich will be replaced as Head Coach by Mitch Johnson having served as an assistant over the last 10 years, and has been in the role on an interim basis since November 2024 after Popovich was sidelined with an health issue.