Gregg Popovich will no longer coach the San Antonio Spurs and will transition to be the president of basketball operations, the team announced Friday.
Popovich, 76, had a stroke in November. He has not coached a game since Oct. 31.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” he said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
Popovich has 1,422 regular season wins, the most in league history, and five NBA championships. That mark is tied for third all-time behind Phil Jackson (11) and Red Auerbach (9). He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Spurs owner Peter J. Holt called Popovich’s impact on the team and community “extraordinary” and “profound.”
“His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people,” Holt said in a statement. “He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.”
Popovich has been head coach of the Spurs since 1996, leading the franchise to 170 playoff victories. He also led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
