Report: Gregg Popovich Unlikely To Coach San Antonio Spurs Next Season

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Popovich's Spurs Future Uncertain: Legendary Coach's Retirement Looms Large

San Antonio, Texas – The future of Gregg Popovich's legendary coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs hangs in the balance, with mounting speculation suggesting the five-time NBA champion is unlikely to return for the 2023-2024 season. While no official announcement has been made by the Spurs organization or Popovich himself, multiple sources close to the team have indicated a strong likelihood of his departure. This news comes after a season of rebuilding for the Spurs, who finished with a 22-60 record, their worst since the 1996-97 season.

Popovich, 74, has spent the past 27 seasons leading the Spurs, an unprecedented tenure that cemented his status as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. His impact extends far beyond the team's on-court success, which includes five NBA championships, six Western Conference titles, and a remarkable 1,366 regular season wins, placing him second all-time. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork, fundamental basketball, and player development, has shaped not only the Spurs but also influenced coaches across the league. He's also known for his outspoken nature on social and political issues, adding another layer to his already significant public profile.

The whispers of Popovich's potential retirement have intensified throughout the off-season. While he has consistently avoided explicitly confirming or denying his future plans in interviews, sources suggest that the grueling demands of coaching, combined with a desire to explore other pursuits, have led him to seriously consider stepping away from the sidelines. The team's youth movement and the long-term rebuilding process may also contribute to his decision. The Spurs are actively building a young core of talent, and Popovich might feel that this is the opportune time to allow a new voice to guide this next generation of Spurs players.

The potential departure of Popovich would mark a significant shift in the landscape of the NBA. His absence would leave a void not easily filled, both in terms of coaching expertise and the profound impact he's had on the Spurs franchise and the broader basketball community. The franchise has yet to officially comment on his future, leading to increasing speculation about potential successors. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson is widely seen as a strong internal candidate, however, the Spurs may also look externally for a coach with experience leading a team through a rebuild.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the Spurs and the legacy of Gregg Popovich. The announcement of his retirement, or a surprising return, will undoubtedly send ripples throughout the NBA and beyond, as the basketball world awaits the next chapter in the story of one of the sport's most iconic figures. The Spurs' upcoming draft selections and free agency moves will also depend largely on whether Popovich remains at the helm, further highlighting the momentous nature of the current situation. The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal one for the San Antonio Spurs, regardless of the decision made concerning Popovich's future.