Gregg Popovich to Sit Out the Season Following Health Concerns: Spurs Announce Coaching Update

Gregg Popovich (Image Source: Getty Images)

In a significant update for the San Antonio Spurs and the NBA community, Gregg Popovich, the esteemed head coach, has declared he will not be returning to his coaching duties for the remainder of this season due to health concerns. This announcement comes after Popovich experienced a mild stroke on November 2, just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Coaching Succession and Team Performance

Since Popovich's health setback, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken the helm as interim head coach. Under Johnson's leadership, the Spurs have managed a record of 22 wins to 30 losses in a season marked by challenges and resilience. Popovich expressed his confidence in Johnson and his staff, stating, "Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding."

Popovich's Legacy and Future Plans

Popovich, aged 76, is not only the oldest coach in NBA history but also the all-time leader in coaching victories, boasting 1,390 regular-season wins and 170 postseason triumphs. His tenure with the Spurs since the 1996-97 season has been illustrious, including five NBA championships and a gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics with the USA basketball team.

In his statement, Popovich emphasized his commitment to recovery and a hopeful return to coaching, "I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future." This decision underscores the importance of health and recovery in sustaining a long and impactful career in sports.