The San Antonio Spurs bid farewell to an era as they released a deeply emotional tribute video honoring Gregg Popovich, who officially stepped down as head coach after an unparalleled 29-season career. The video, shared across the Spurs’ social media platforms, captures the essence of Popovich’s legacy—his leadership, mentorship, and the profound impact he had on the franchise and the NBA as a whole.
The tribute video opens with archival footage of Popovich’s early days with the Spurs, showcasing his journey from an ambitious coach in 1996 to the architect of a dynasty that won five NBA championships. It features heartfelt moments with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and other Spurs legends, highlighting the relationships he built over decades.
One of the most touching segments includes clips of Popovich’s interactions with young players, emphasizing his role not just as a coach but as a mentor. The video also features emotional interviews from former players and colleagues, many of whom credit Popovich for shaping their careers and lives beyond basketball.
Thank you, Coach Pop, for your brilliance on and off the court. We look forward to our next chapter together. pic.twitter.com/4x6AFpSmQM
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 2, 2025
Popovich retires as the NBA’s all-time wins leader, with 1,422 career victories, and an unmatched reputation for fostering a culture of excellence and selflessness. His influence extends beyond the court—he was a vocal advocate for social justice, player empowerment, and the importance of education and community involvement.
Despite stepping down as head coach, Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, ensuring his wisdom continues to guide the organization. His longtime assistant, Mitch Johnson, has been named the new head coach, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
The tribute video has sparked an outpouring of love and respect from the basketball world. Steve Kerr, who played under Popovich and later became a championship-winning coach himself, arrived at his press conference wearing a “Thanks, Pop!” T-shirt, calling him “one of the most important people in my life”.
