End of era: Gregg Popovich is no longer coach San Antoni!

After almost three decades of printing history on the bench San Antonio Spurslegendary Gregg Popovich (76) decided to step down from the site of the main coach. He put the point on « and » one of the most successful and long -lived coaching careers in the history of the NBA. Although he leaves the coaching position, Popovich remains at the club as head of basketball operations, continuing a deep impact on an organization to which he dedicated most of his professional life.

– Although my love and passion for the game remain, I decided it was time to step down from the main coach. I am forever grateful to wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who have allowed me to serve them as the main coach of Spurs, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue to support the organization, the community and the city that means so much to me – said Popovich.

Three trophy decades

Popovic’s Era in San Antonio Spurs began on December 10, 1996, when he dismissed the then coach as a general manager Bob Hilla I took the helm myself. Although the timing was unusual (the Spurs were at the ratio of 3-15), it turned out to be a move that changed the furniture franchise.

Under Popovic’s guidance, the Spurs became synonymous with excellence. He won five NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2014), became a coach with the most victories in the League’s history (he ends his career with a ratio of 1422-869, including the matches led by Mitch Johnson this season) and has been named coach of the year three times. In addition, he led the US national team to the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021 and received it at the Basketball House of Fame.

He trained the Pleiad of the Greats, including six members of the celebrity house: Tim DuncanWho,, David RobinsonWho,, Manua GinobiliaWho,, Tony ParkerWho,, Dominique Wilkins and Paua Gasola. His 170 playoff wins with one team is a record of the league, and in total the third is behind Phila Jackson (229) i Pata Riley (171).

The withdrawal decision comes after a difficult season in which Popovich missed almost all matches. At the beginning of November, he experienced a stroke in the club hall and has not publicly announced publicly even though he expressed hope in March that he would return to coaching. That won’t happen. His departure from the bench coincides with the second year of renovation of the team around the French star Victor Wembanyame. Still, Popovich does not leave Spurs completely, assumes a role that allows him to continue to direct the future of the franchise.

A man of complex personality and Croatian roots

Although known for his grumpy interaction with the media during the games, those who know him better describe him as a person with « incredible sense of humor » (Jayson Tatum) and deep humanity. Chris Paul, who played for Spurs last season in part because of Popovich, pointed out his incredible work ethic, even during rehabilitation after a stroke.

– See how hard it works … It has nothing to do with basketball. That just shows who he is, ”Paul said.

Popovich never fled from presenting his views on politics and social issues, and for years he quietly supported humanitarian actions. His personality was a mixture of military discipline (he graduated from the US Air Force Academy) and passion for life, including a love of wine.

It is less known that Gregg Popovich is pulling roots from Croatia as well. Born in East Chicago in Indiana of his father Raymondawho was of Serbian origin, and mother KatherineCroats. He grew up in a multicultural environment, and his mother had a great influence on his upbringing after his parents’ divorce. At one time, a Croatian basketball player also played under his leadership in Spurs. Luka Šamanić.

The legacy that goes beyond victories

Popovic’s 29 seasons on the Spurs bench is one of the longest coaching era in the history of American professional sport. His influence is not only visible through trophies, but also through the culture he built those opportunities he provided. Was a pioneer when he hired Becky Hammon as the first female permanent auxiliary coach in the NBA.

« He doesn’t see the gender, but someone who has a great basketball mind, » she said Dawn StaleyAmerican women’s basketball trainer.

His approach, which emphasized the team in front of the individual, selflessness and constant work, left an indelible mark on generations of players and coaches.

« There is no one like pop, » Steve Kerr, coach Golden State Warriors simply summarized.

With the departure of Gregg Popovich from the bench, one chapter of the history of San Antonio Spurs and the NBA league ends. His legacy, made up of victories, principles and unique character, will continue to live through the club he now serves in a new role and through countless people he influenced during his extraordinary career.