A very big coaching career in the NBA is probably coming to an end: Gregg Popovich finally withdraws from the front row at the Spurs. Its legacy is enormous.
The end of an era! Gregg Popovich will no longer work than Head Coach at the San Antonio Spurs. The franchise announced this in an official statement. The 76-year-old, who suffered a slight stroke last November, will fully focus on his work as team president.
“Although my love and passion for sport have been unbroken, I decided that it is time to step down as head coach,” said Popovich. “I am grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, employees and fans who have allowed me to serve them as head coach of the Spurs forever and I look forward to continuing to support the organization, the community and the city that mean so much.”
After his health setback, Popovich retired, assistant coach Mitch Johnson came to an end, which completed the Spurs with a balance of 31:45. Popovich should continue to accompany the team closely and also be involved in day -to -day business – just not in the forefront. It is likely that Johnson takes over permanently as a coach.
Popovich looks back on a glorious career as a coach of the Spurs. He has been part of the franchise since 1994, since 1996 he has trained the team and shaped the most successful era of the history of the team from Texas. The Spurs were under his aegide master (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014), players such as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Kawhi Leonard developed into superstars. As early as 1988, he had been a assistant coach for the first time to the SPAR staff.
29 remarkable years with the Spurs
“His honors and awards will not do justice to the influence that he had on so many people. As a person, leader and coach, he is really unique. Our entire family and the fans around the world are grateful for his remarkable 29 years as head coach of San Antonio Spurs,” said Peter J. Holt, Managing Partner of the Spurs.
1422 victories in the Regular Season cannot have any other coach. There are also 170 wins in the playoffs. Popovich was recognized three times as a coach of the Year, only Don Nelson and Pat Riley did just as often. In 2023, “Coach Pop” had extended his contract by five years, now it has ended earlier than originally planned. With Team USA, he also won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021.