Gregg Popovich has concluded his time as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, transitioning into a full-time role as the team's president of basketball operations. The Spurs announced the change Friday.
Popovich will now focus solely on his front office duties, a position he has held since May 1994.
Mitch Johnson, who coached the team on an interim basis after Popovich stepped away due to health issues, will take over as the permanent head coach, sources reported by Shams Charania of ESPN confirmed. Johnson compiled a 31-45 record during his time leading the team this season.
Popovich, 76, coached the Spurs for nearly three decades. He holds the NBA record with 1,422 regular season victories and guided the franchise to five championships. He was named Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the Naismith Hall Of Fame in 2023.
His decision follows several health setbacks over the past season. He suffered a mild stroke in early November and did not return to the bench. The team announced in February he would miss the remainder of the season. He was hospitalized again last month after a medical incident at a restaurant.
Sources close to the situation indicated Popovich remained active in his front office capacity throughout his health challenges. While he recently visited the team facility and held a desire to return to coaching, he ultimately decided the daily rigors of being a head coach were too difficult.
The Spurs confirmed Popovich's transition via a press release.
"While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in the team 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.”
"Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound,” managing partner Peter J. Holt said. “His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. 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.”
