It’s finally happened! NBA legend Gregg Popovich is stepping down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs with immediate effect. However, the 76-year-old is not thinking about retiring just yet. Instead, the three-time Coach of the Year wants to move into the front office of the Texas team.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I have decided that it is time for me to step down as head coach,” Popovich said in a statement released by the Spurs. A legendary coaching career has now come to an end.
Gregg Popovich has been on the sidelines for his San Antonio Spurs in a total of 2,291 NBA games since 1996. During that time, he led the franchise to five NBA titles. He himself was voted Coach of the Year three times.
His retirement may also be related to Popovich’s health. In November last year, the 76-year-old suffered a minor stroke. He has not appeared in public since.
However, Popovich, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 for his achievements, will not be retiring completely. He will immediately take on the role of president of all basketball operations and will therefore be largely responsible for squad planning.
The favorite to succeed “Pops” is interim coach Mitch Johnson, who took over the team in November and led it to a total of 34 wins this season.
