Gregg Popovich, the longest-tenured head coach in NBA history and one of the most influential figures in the sport, has stepped away from coaching the San Antonio Spurs. While he’ll remain the franchise’s President of Basketball Operations, Popovich won’t return to the bench following a health scare — a stroke he suffered during the season, which he mostly kept private.
Popovich’s coaching résumé is unmatched: five NBA championships, three Coach of the Year awards, and more than 1,300 wins over nearly three decades. But his legacy can’t be measured in stats alone. To those who knew him — players, coaches, and colleagues — Pop was the heart of the Spurs.
He built a culture rooted in respect, humor, and humility, a place where everyone, from All-Stars to staffers, felt valued and accountable. Influenced by team-first philosophies like those of Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff, Popovich implemented a system in San Antonio that emphasized selflessness, intelligence, and trust — principles that powered players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili to greatness.
In Pop’s own words: “We’re looking for people… [who] have gotten over themselves. You can tell pretty quickly if it’s about them, or if they understand they’re just a piece of the puzzle. A sense of humor is huge. You’ve got to be able to laugh, give a dig, take a dig. And you have to feel comfortable in your own skin that you don’t have all the answers.”
Popovich’s rise as head coach began unexpectedly in 1996–97, a tough season riddled with injuries. He took over midway through and later guided the team to select Tim Duncan with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1997 draft. That move — pairing Duncan with David Robinson — set the foundation for a dynasty built on discipline, cohesion, and quiet dominance.
Away from the court, Pop was known for his legendary team dinners. He hosted gatherings with fine wine, good food, and honest conversation, always picking up the check. Those moments, former players say, did more to build trust and chemistry than any film session.
Popovich has earned praise not just for his coaching brilliance, but for his character, advocacy, and commitment to social justice. Even Suns fans — long-time rivals of the Spurs — can’t help but admire the career of the man who turned a small-market team into a model of sustained excellence.
Though he won’t patrol the sidelines anymore, Gregg Popovich will continue to shape the Spurs — and the NBA — for years to come.
