Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach and takes over as team president

(Reuters) - Gregg Popovich, the coach with the most wins in NBA history, announced on Friday he will step down from his role as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs to take over as the team's president of basketball operations. The decision marks the end of an era for the franchise, which under his leadership became one of the league's most successful teams.

The San Antonio Spurs X account announced the news, noting, "Coach Pop transitions to Spurs President of Basketball Operations.”

Popovich, 76, suffered a mild stroke last November and did not return for the remainder of the season. In a statement, he said, "While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach." 

He added that he is "forever grateful” to the players, coaches, staff and fans who supported him during his career, and was excited to continue contributing to the San Antonio organization and community in his new role.

With a career spanning nearly three decades as head coach of the Spurs, Popovich led the team to five NBA championships and was named coach of the year three times. In addition, he guided the US men's national team to the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His legacy was recognized with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Popovich joined the Spurs in 1988 as an assistant coach, a role he held for four seasons before working two years with Golden State. In 1994, he returned to San Antonio as general manager and vice president of basketball operations. After a 3-15 start to the 1996-97 season, he took over as head coach following the firing of Bob Hill, transforming the Spurs into an NBA powerhouse.

Peter J. Holt, managing partner of the Spurs, praised Popovich's impact: "the extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound. 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."

Holt also noted the gratitude of the organization and fans for Popovich's 29 years at the helm.