Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Announces Retirement After 28 Seasons

Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Announces Retirement After 28 Seasons...

Gregg Popovich, the legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach, announced his retirement Monday after 28 seasons with the franchise. The 77-year-old leaves as the NBA's all-time winningest coach with 1,363 regular-season victories and five championships.

The news comes after the Spurs finished their 2025-26 season with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Popovich told reporters at a press conference that "it's time" to step away, though he will remain with the organization as an advisor.

Popovich's retirement marks the end of an era for the Spurs, where he built a dynasty around Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. His coaching tree includes current NBA head coaches like Steve Kerr (Warriors) and Mike Budenholzer (Bucks).

The announcement sparked immediate reactions across the league. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Popovich "one of the greatest coaches in sports history," while former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard tweeted "Thank you for everything, Coach."

Popovich's final game was a 112-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 26. Fans at San Antonio's AT&T Center gave him a five-minute standing ovation during the closing moments, unaware it would be his last game on the bench.

The Spurs organization says a search for Popovich's replacement will begin immediately. Assistant coach Brett Brown, who previously worked under Popovich, is considered a leading candidate.

Popovich's retirement tops sports news today as basketball fans reflect on his Hall of Fame career. Beyond wins, he was known for his blunt interviews, social activism, and mentoring players both on and off the court. His departure leaves the Spurs facing their biggest transition since drafting Tim Duncan in 1997.