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First Photos of Gregg Popovich Emerge After Spurs Coaching Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 5, 2025 12:40 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs announced last week that Gregg Popovich was transitioning to a full-time role as the team's president of basketball operations and stepping down as head coach. The basketball legend suffered a mild stroke in November.

Mitch Johnson filled in for Popovich this season and impressed the front office so much that Johnson was named the full-time head coach.

The Spurs went 34-48 this season. They missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year, but most people believe they have a bright future with All-Stars Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox leading the way.

The Spurs introduced Johnson as their new head coach on Monday, and Popovich (76) was in attendance.

Pop is in attendance at today’s news conference to introduce Mitch Johnson as his successor. pic.twitter.com/WafwhWDKQa
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) May 5, 2025

Popovich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last year. He's a three-time NBA Coach of the Year (2002-03, 2011-12, 2013-14) and led Team USA to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2021.

Popovich guided the Spurs to championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. He has coached some of the top players in NBA history, such as David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Popovich has been involved throughout the Spurs' offseason and is making steady progress with his health in recovery from the November stroke.

Popovich has the most wins in NBA history. He went 1,422-869 in the regular season and 170-114 in the playoffs.

Popovich became head coach of the Spurs in 1996-97. He coached the team for 29 seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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