San Antonio, United States (RFI/AFP) –
Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is stepping
down after nearly three decades at the helm, the team announced Friday.
Popovich, 76, who has led the Spurs to five NBA
championships and earned a record-setting 1,422 regular season wins, will
transition into a new role as President of Basketball Operations. His decision
comes six months after he suffered a mild stroke that sidelined him for the
remainder of the season.
“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.”
Popovich’s coaching journey with the Spurs began in
1988 as an assistant. Aside from a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors,
he has spent his entire professional career with the San Antonio franchise,
eventually becoming one of the most respected figures in the sport. In addition
to his NBA accolades, he also led the U.S. men’s basketball team to gold at the
Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt lauded Popovich’s
legacy, calling him “one-of-one” as a person, leader and coach.
“Coach Pop’s 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,” Holt said.
Concerns about Popovich’s health had intensified since
his stroke in November and a subsequent medical incident in April. He had
previously announced in February that he would not return for the remainder of
the 2024–25 season to focus on recovery.
With Popovich stepping away from the sidelines, a
transformative era in Spurs history comes to a close, though his influence will
continue to shape the franchise from the front office.
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