Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Coach, Transitions to Front Office Role
An era has come to an end, not just for the San Antonio Spurs, but for the National Basketball Association as a whole. After an astounding 28-plus seasons at the helm, Gregg Popovich, the iconic and often enigmatic head coach, has announced his departure from the sidelines. The Spurs organization revealed on Friday, May 2nd, that Popovich will be transitioning into the role of president of basketball operations, effectively stepping down from his coaching duties.
This transition marks a significant shift for the Spurs, a franchise synonymous with Popovich’s leadership and the culture of excellence he instilled. The 2024-25 NBA season saw Popovich absent for a significant portion after he suffered a stroke on November 2nd. During his absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson stepped in as interim head coach, guiding the team to a 34-48 record. Impressed by Johnson’s performance and leadership capabilities, the Spurs have promoted him to the permanent head coach position, entrusting him with the responsibility of continuing Popovich’s legacy.
While Popovich’s presence will still be felt within the organization, his move to the front office signals a change in the NBA landscape. The league will lose one of its most prominent and influential figures from the sidelines, diminishing the visibility of a Hall of Fame coach known for his sharp wit, unwavering principles, and profound impact on the game. For decades, Popovich has captivated audiences with his sideline interviews, news conferences, and public interactions, often proving to be as entertaining as the basketball games themselves.
Popovich’s coaching career is etched in NBA history, defined by unparalleled success and a commitment to team-first basketball. Under his guidance, the Spurs secured five NBA championships, a testament to his ability to develop talent, build a cohesive team, and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the game. His coaching philosophy, rooted in discipline, ball movement, and a relentless defensive mindset, became the gold standard for NBA teams aspiring to sustained success.
Beyond the championships, Popovich’s influence extends to the development of numerous players, many of whom blossomed into NBA stars under his tutelage. He cultivated a team culture that prioritized humility, hard work, and a dedication to continuous improvement. His ability to connect with players on a personal level, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and motivate them to reach their full potential is a hallmark of his coaching prowess.
The duality of Popovich’s personality, a blend of gruffness and genuine warmth, is perhaps best exemplified in his sideline interviews, which became appointment viewing for NBA fans. Known for his terse exchanges and succinct answers, Popovich often appeared to disdain the obligatory mid-game interviews, yet his interactions were consistently captivating. His willingness to challenge reporters, sometimes with a touch of sarcasm, added to his mystique and made him a compelling figure.
One memorable exchange occurred during a 2012 game when TNT reporter David Aldridge inquired about Popovich’s satisfaction with the team’s shot selection. Popovich’s response was classic: "Happy? Happy’s not a word that we think about in a game. Think of something different. Happy? I don’t know how to judge happy. We’re in the middle of a contest. Nobody’s happy."
Popovich’s most endearing sideline moments often involved the late Craig Sager, the colorful TNT reporter whose flamboyant attire served as a frequent source of playful banter. Popovich’s quick wit and sardonic humor were on full display during these exchanges, creating moments of levity and camaraderie amid the intensity of NBA games.
However, it was during Sager’s battle with leukemia that Popovich revealed a deeper layer of his personality. When Sager returned to the sidelines in December 2015 after undergoing treatment, Popovich expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying, "I got to honestly tell you this is the first time I’ve enjoyed doing this ridiculous interview we’re required to do. It’s because you’re here and you’re back with us. Welcome back, baby. … Now ask me a couple of inane questions."
Popovich’s induction into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 served as a celebration of his extraordinary career and a testament to his lasting impact on the game. During his induction speech, he was joined on stage by his greatest Spurs players – David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker – a symbolic representation of the team-first philosophy that defined his coaching tenure. In a humorous moment, Popovich playfully shooed emcee Ahmad Rashad off stage when Rashad prematurely assumed the speech was concluding.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Popovich has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and a prominent critic of political figures. He has consistently used his platform to speak out against inequality, discrimination, and injustice, often challenging the status quo and sparking meaningful conversations. His outspokenness, while sometimes controversial, reflects his unwavering commitment to his values and his belief in the power of sports to effect positive change.
Since Donald Trump’s ascent to the presidency in 2016, Popovich has been a staunch critic of the Republican Party and its policies. He has used his interactions with reporters to express his political views, often providing insightful and thought-provoking commentary on the issues facing the nation. Even in the weeks leading up to his stroke on November 2nd, Popovich used a Spurs news conference to voice his concerns about the direction of the country.
As Gregg Popovich transitions to his new role as president of basketball operations, the NBA reflects on his remarkable coaching career and the indelible mark he has left on the league. His legacy extends beyond championships and accolades; it encompasses his commitment to excellence, his unwavering principles, and his profound impact on the lives of players, coaches, and fans alike. The NBA will undoubtedly miss his presence on the sidelines, but his contributions to the game will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. Mitch Johnson steps into enormous shoes but has a strong foundation laid to continue a tradition of excellence.
