Gregg Popovich stepped down as San Antonio Spurs coach on 2 May 2025 after 29 seasons and five NBA championships.
The winningest coach in league history moved into a full-time role as president of basketball operations. Assistant Mitch Johnson was promoted to head coach.
Health forces Popovich to leave the bench
Popovich, 76, had not coached since suffering a mild stroke on 2 November 2024.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” he said in the Spurs’ announcement.
Three days later, Popovich said his recovery was improving but had not reached the level required for the work ahead.
Johnson takes over after 77 games in charge
Johnson served as acting coach for the final 77 games of the season. He had spent six years on Popovich’s staff after joining the organisation through its G League team.
“I am honored by this opportunity and even more humbled by the people that I’ll be able to partner with and serve,” Johnson said.
Popovich introduced him while wearing a T-shirt bearing his new title, “El Jefe&
Popovich leaves an unmatched Spurs legacy
Popovich won 1,422 regular-season games, more than any coach in NBA history. His five championships came in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014.
He also won Coach of the Year three times, guided the United States to Olympic gold and led the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff appearances.
Popovich left the bench but not the franchise. The coach who defined San Antonio basketball remained responsible for helping shape its next era.
