NBA icon Gregg Popovich stepping down as Spurs coach after 29 seasons

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is ending a glittering coaching career that included five championships and a record 1,422 wins. PHOTO: USA TODAY SPORTS

UPDATED May 03, 2025, 05:50 AM

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LOS ANGELES - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is stepping down after 29 seasons, the team announced on May 2, ending a glittering NBA coaching career that included five championships and a record 1,422 wins.

Popovich, 76, a beloved figure across the sport who was sidelined for most of this regular season after suffering a mild stroke in November 2024, will take on a new role as president of basketball operations, the Spurs said.

“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 released by San Antonio.

“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,” the Hall-of-Famer added.

The Spurs confirmed that Mitch Johnson, who filled in as acting head coach after Popovich’s illness this season, would now take over on a full-time basis.