The legendary Gregg Popovich has determined to finish his exceptional 29-year teaching profession with the San Antonio Spurs.
Popovich suffered a gentle stroke in November and has had an extended highway to restoration since. On Feb. 27, he met with Spurs gamers to tell them he wouldn’t be returning to teach this season. On April 15, he had one other well being scare at a San Antonio restaurant and was hospitalized.
Now 76 years outdated, Popovich ends his teaching profession with 1,422 common season victories and 5 championships. He has gained the Coach of the Yr award 3 times, essentially the most in league historical past.
He additionally has the third-most profession playoff victories.
“Whereas my love and fervour for the sport stay, I’ve determined it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich mentioned in a press release. “I’m eternally grateful to the fantastic gamers, coaches, employees and followers who allowed me to serve them because the Spurs head coach and am excited for the chance to proceed to assist the group, neighborhood and metropolis which are so significant to me.”
It’s not all unhappy information, although, as Popovich confirmed he will likely be getting into the function of crew president shifting ahead. It’s, in a means, a full circle second as he was as soon as the overall supervisor of the crew from 1994-96.
With 16 years on the helm, the Miami Warmth’s Erik Spoelstra is now the longest tenured energetic head coach. He’s adopted by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who as soon as performed for Popovich.
Coach Pop transitions to Spurs President of Basketball Operations pic.twitter.com/q8HwqDTB53
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) Could 2, 2025
Mitch Johnson Totally Takes Over Teaching Position
Mitch Johnson, who has been the interim head coach since Popovich stepped away, now takes over the function on a everlasting foundation.
The Spurs went 31-45 underneath Johnson. Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox being dominated out within the latter third of the season have been large elements in that report.
Johnson previously performed at Stanford and within the G League, in addition to overseas. He joined the Spurs group in 2016 as an assistant coach for his or her G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.
“I’m really grateful and honored to obtain this unimaginable alternative,” Johnson mentioned within the crew’s assertion. “I’m grateful for Coach Pop, (CEO) RC [Buford], (common supervisor) Brian [Wright] and [managing partner Peter J. Holt] trusting me to hold on our tradition and I promise to present this accountability the whole lot I’ve to make Spurs followers proud.”
It’s a pity Popovich couldn’t exit on his phrases, however well being clearly takes priority over the whole lot.
29 seasons of teaching brilliance pic.twitter.com/tGzy31hC7f
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) Could 2, 2025
