Somber update brings Gregg Popovich's future as Spurs head coach into question

Gregg Popovich has not been on the San Antonio Spurs' sideline since suffering a mild stroke back on Nov. 2, 2024. The team revealed on Nov. 13 the details behind his health concerns, and announced that he would be out indefinitely as he recovered. Since then, no definitive updates had been provided, until now.

On Saturday evening, Shams Charania reported that Popovich is not expected to return to coaching this season. Additionally, his future as the head coach of the Spurs is "uncertain." While a disappointing update, it does not feel like one that was completely unexpected.

Mitch Johnson has been filling in as head coach in Popovich's absence, and there had been constant questions as to whether San Antonio's legendary long-time coach would be coming back at all. Many were optimistic, but there is now no chance he returns in 2024-25. Perhaps he could make a full recovery and come back next season, but only time will tell.

Gregg Popovich will not return to coaching this season

If his coaching career in the NBA is truly finished, Popovich will retire as one of the greatest to ever do it. In over 28 seasons of coaching in this league , Pop racked up one of the most impressive resumes in NBA history. He is a five-time champion, a three-time coach of the year, and coached the All-Star team four times. He has won 1,412 games as a head coach in the association, the most of all-time.

Pop of course coached some of the greats from multiple generations. He taught and mentored the likes of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and all the way up to Victor Wembanyama, who will possibly be one of the greatest NBA players of the next two decades. His longevity has been unmatched, and his reach across multiple generations is truly a coach's dream.

Having a health issue end the career of one of the best coaches in league history would be unfortunate, but not totally unprecedented. We wish the best for coach Pop, and we can rest assured that he will choose the option best for his health and life going forward, whichever route he ends up going.