After nearly three decades at the helm of one of the NBA’s most respected franchises, Gregg Popovich has announced he is stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. At 76 years old, and following a stroke suffered last November, the legendary coach has decided to end his sideline career, although he will remain part of the organization as President of Basketball Operations.

With 1,422 regular-season wins, Popovich is not only the winningest coach in league history but also a symbol of consistency, discipline, and success. Since taking over in the 1996-1997 season, he became the heart of the Spurs, building a franchise identity based on teamwork, tough defense, and player development.

A golden era in San Antonio

During his tenure, Popovich completely reshaped the DNA of the San Antonio franchise. Under his leadership, the Spurs captured five NBA titles: in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. He did so alongside a once-in-a-generation group of players, including Tim Duncan, his main on-court partner; Manu Ginóbili, the ultimate warrior; Tony Parker, the engine of their offense; and David Robinson, the cornerstone at the start of the dynasty.

Popovich’s legacy also extends to international basketball. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, he coached Team USA to a gold medal, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s all-time greats.

After suffering a stroke on November 2, 2024, just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Popovich stepped away from coaching duties, with Mitch Johnson taking over on an interim basis. Despite having signed a five-year extension in 2023, his health issues ultimately led to this difficult but understandable decision.

One of his final major challenges was guiding the development of Victor Wembanyama, the French prodigy widely regarded as the future of the franchise. Though he won’t be coaching him on the court anymore, Popovich’s influence will remain deeply ingrained in the team’s foundation.

The NBA says goodbye to an irreplaceable coach—one who didn’t just collect rings, but also shaped the culture of basketball.