Gregg Popovich is an NBA legend. However, the Hall of Famer will no longer be coaching the San Antonio Spurs. Instead, Gregg will be moving into the team’s front office in the full-time role as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Pop has had many iconic moments with the Spurs franchise, including multiple championship seasons. Although health concerns have created a roadblock in the middle of Gregg’s career plans. Despite that, the now former coach seems ready to tackle this new challenge head-on.
With Gregg Popovich stepping down as an NBA head coach and moving into the front office, many non-Spurs fans may be wondering why. Well, despite Pop’s age, the man has also been dealing with some pretty serious health scares. Gregg had dealt with a stroke in November of 2024. It was from then on that he announced that he would not be returning to the team for the rest of the season. However, the 76-year-old would suffer another “medical incident” that would end up being the final straw, according to ESPN. However, Pop’s departure from coaching has left many fans with a bittersweet feeling. One fan stated, “Thanks for the memories, Coach Pop,” via X.
Gregg Popovich Leaves A Message for NBA Fans
However, Popovich did not step down from coaching without a final message to the fans.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in a 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.”
It seems as though Gregg understands how much he meant to the fans, and the feeling is most likely mutual.
With Pop’s departure, who will step up to fill his shoes? Well, the man who’s going to give it a go is Mitch Johnson. Mitch will be placed into the head coaching job for the San Antonio Spurs after years of being Pop’s understudy. Johnson was chosen for exactly that reason as well. Mitch knows the blueprint for a successful team thanks to Gregg. However, getting there is another story. While the team has talent, they are young and untested.
However, experience will come. For now, players and fans around the league have come together to praise what Gregg Popovich has been able to do with the clipboard in his hand. This is not the end of Pop’s journey with the Spurs, rather, it is the start of an even greater one. The NBA is better with Gregg around. Pop will be handling a lot of day-to-day stuff for the Spurs, as they continue to build around Victor Wembanyama.
Dylan Cook 
Emma Taylor 
