Popovich resigns as Spurs coach to take on the role of club president

The San Antonio Spurs announced on Friday that Gregg Popovich has resigned as coach and will take over as president of basketball operations.

After suffering a small stroke last November, the 76-year-old coach—who holds the record for most wins by any coach in NBA history—did not return for the rest of the season.

“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.”

Mitch Johnson, who was acting head coach after Popovich took a leave of absence after his stroke, will take over as head coach, the Spurs announced. The contract’s terms were not disclosed.

Popovich, a three-time NBA coach of the year, guided the U.S. men’s team to a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and guided the Spurs to five titles. In 2023, he was admitted as a coach to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Prior to spending two seasons as an assistant coach with Golden State, Popovich began his career with the Spurs in 1988 as an assistant coach, a position he maintained for four seasons.

Popovich rejoined the Spurs in 1994 as vice president of basketball operations and general manager.

Popovich took over as head coach after Bob Hill was fired after the Spurs had a 3-15 start to the 1996–97 season. He went on to make the Spurs one of the most successful teams in the NBA.

Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt stated, “Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs, and the game of basketball is profound.”

“The influence he has had on so many individuals is not adequately conveyed by his honors and awards. As a coach, leader, and person, he is genuinely unique.

“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.”

Johnson began working for Spurs in 2016 and has been an assistant coach under Popovich for the past six seasons, spending five of those years on the bench following his promotion in 2020.

He remarked, “I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity.” “I am thankful for coach Pop … and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.”