Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is transitioning to become the team’s president of basketball operations after an illustrious coaching career spanning 29 seasons. At 76 years old, Popovich boasts an impressive record of five NBA championships and 1,422 regular-season wins, making him the winningest coach in NBA history. Despite missing most of the 2024-25 season due to a mild stroke, Popovich expressed gratitude to the organization and fans while passing the coaching reins to longtime assistant Mitch Johnson, who is set to lead the team into the future.

Under Popovich’s tenure, the Spurs enjoyed 22 consecutive playoff appearances and a remarkable streak of 18 seasons with at least 50 wins. The team now looks towards a new era with promising young talents like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the previous NBA Rookie of the Year awardees. Popovich’s influence extends beyond the court, as evidenced by his three NBA Coach of the Year awards, multiple championships, and a gold medal with the 2020 US Olympic team.

As Popovich embarks on this new chapter with the Spurs, his legacy as a basketball icon and a respected leader in the sport remains intact. The transition marks a significant milestone for the organization, with Erik Spoelstra taking the helm as the longest-tenured coach in the NBA. Popovich’s impact on the Spurs and the basketball community as a whole is undeniable, solidifying his place in the Hall of Fame and leaving a lasting imprint on the sport he loves.