Gregg Popovich has stepped down as head coach of the Spurs and can change into president of basketball operations on a full-time foundation, the group introduced in a press release.
Popovich is the winningest head coach in NBA historical past with 1,422 common season victories, and he captured 5 championships throughout practically three a long time on San Antonio’s bench. He was named Coach of the 12 months thrice and was inducted into the Naismith Corridor of Fame in 2023.
“Whereas my love and fervour for the sport stay, I’ve determined it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich mentioned. “I’m eternally grateful to the great 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 help the group, group and metropolis which can be so significant to me.”
He was suffered a mild stroke in early November and by no means returned to the bench, with the group announcing in February that he was accomplished for the season. Popovich made progress in his restoration and was in a position to meet with his players, however he needed to be hospitalized once more final month after a medical incident at a restaurant.
Popovich joined the group in 1988 as an assistant coach and has been a part of the Spurs’ entrance workplace since Might of 1994. Sources inform Shams Charania of ESPN that Popovich has remained lively in that position all through his medical points and “will proceed to be an important member of the franchise’s day-to-day operations.”
Charania’s sources add that Popovich had been within the group’s facility just lately and nonetheless had a need to return to teaching. In the end, he determined that the day-to-day grind of being a head coach could be too tough.
“Coach Pop’s extraordinary influence on our household, San Antonio, the Spurs and the sport of basketball is profound,” managing companion Peter J. Holt mentioned within the Spurs’ press launch. “His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the influence he has had on so many individuals. He’s actually one-of-one as an individual, chief and coach. Our complete household, alongside followers from throughout the globe, are grateful for his exceptional 29-year run as the top coach of the San Antonio Spurs.”
