Today, legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made waves with a different sort of announcement. To honor the deal, he will resign from his coaching position. Instead, he’s moving to a more permanent role as the team’s president of basketball operations. For many, the decision signals the end of an era for Popovich. He has arguably defined the franchise in his image since taking over as head coach during the 1996-1997 season.
Popovich’s announcement came following an emotional meeting with his players on February 27, where he expressed gratitude for their contributions and shared his hopes for the team’s future. In a surprise move, he announced that he would not be returning as head coach for this season. Despite this disappointment, he’s excited at the prospect of remaining engaged with the Spurs. His values and leadership touched everyone on that team. Under his guidance, they went on to win five NBA championships, making him one of only five coaches to win this incredible accomplishment.
Still going strong at 76, Popovich is the oldest coach ever in NBA history. He has a very impressive coaching career filled with accolades. Interestingly, he’s the Three NBA Coach of the Year Awards, a record he holds jointly with legends Don Nelson and Pat Riley. In addition, he is third most in career playoff wins by a coach, ensuring his place in history within the sport.
That was quite a turnaround from when Popovich first came to San Antonio in May 1994, accepted into the Spurs’ front office. As head coach, he developed along with all-time great players Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. In unison, they created a basketball dynasty that came to define Spurs basketball. Under his leadership, the team won NBA championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
Even for a coaching legend like Popovich, this season has been more than trying. On November 2, he experienced a mini-stroke. This injury removed him from being able to return to the sidelines for the remainder of the season. His health problems were a factor in his decision to take a step back from day-to-day coaching responsibilities and devote himself to his new position.
On February 27, Popovich made the unfortunate announcement that he is retiring from coaching. He indicated that he intends to remain a key member of the Spurs front office moving forward. “I have been blessed to coach this sensational group of players and to be a part of this phenomenal community,” he said. The artful, performance-shifting promise to publicly invest that play increases his own team’s chances of winning big future contests.
In 2023, Popovich signed a five-year contract extension with the Spurs. Yet this decision illustrates that he is still dedicated to his long-term vision for the franchise, despite this massive shift in his role. With his experience and insight, Leone will undoubtedly help guide the team as they move toward an exciting future.
As Popovich steps into this new role, Spurs fans will find his presence felt on all fronts. What players will notice is the tremendous influence he’s had on the organization. His legacy as a Hall of Famer and one of basketball’s most respected figures will continue to resonate as he remains involved in shaping the team’s strategy and direction.
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