· Sports · 2 min read
Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Head Coach of San Antonio Spurs “I’m no longer coach. I’m ‘El Jefe,’”
Listern to Gregg Popovich spoke in public for the first time since he had a stroke last November.
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San Antonio, TX – In a move that marks the end of an era, Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has announced his decision to step down after nearly three decades with the franchise. The news, confirmed by the Spurs organization on May 6, 2025, sent shockwaves through the NBA community, as Popovich leaves behind an unparalleled legacy.
Inside the NBA on Gregg Popovich Stepping Down as Spurs Head Coach
Popovich, 76, has been the architect of the Spurs’ golden age, leading the team to five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) and 22 consecutive playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019. With 1,366 regular-season wins, he holds the record for the most victories by a head coach in NBA history. His tenure was defined by a culture of selflessness, discipline, and adaptability, shaping players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard into Hall of Fame talents.
The decision comes after a challenging 2024-25 season, with the Spurs struggling to reclaim their past dominance despite the emergence of young star Victor Wembanyama. Popovich, known for his sharp wit and reluctance to embrace the spotlight, offered no public statement, but sources close to the team suggest he felt the time was right to pass the torch.
“Coach Pop’s impact on this organization and the game of basketball is immeasurable,” said Spurs CEO R.C. Buford. “He’s not just a coach but a mentor and a visionary who changed lives.”
The Spurs have not named an immediate successor, though assistant coach Mitch Johnson and former Spurs player Ime Udoka are among the speculated candidates. Popovich’s departure closes a chapter for San Antonio, but his influence will linger in the franchise’s DNA and the countless coaches and players he inspired across the league.
As fans reflect on his storied career, the question isn’t just who will replace Popovich, but whether anyone can truly fill the void left by one of basketball’s greatest minds.
