Since Gregg Popovich walked through the doors of the legendary Alamodome, he’s become a perennial part of the San Antonio Spurs franchise. His coaching journey began when the team was in dire need of change back in 1996. The Spurs were 3-15 at the time and needed someone with a charismatic personality and who’s thoughts aligned with the franchise’s. Keeping this in mind, the general manager, Popovich, took it upon himself to coach the team, firing Bob Hill from the job. Fast forward to today, Pop has etched his name in basketball history forever. With five championships to his name and the most wins by a coach in NBA history, the 76-year-old is a living legend.

However, the Spurs legend has made a major announcement today. It is officially the end of an era in San Antonio. The oldest head coach in the NBA, Gregg Popovich, has stepped away from his duties, the San Antonio Spurs announced. “Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound. His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs,” wrote Peter J. Holt, Spurs’ president of basketball operations.

The East Chicago native has seen all that the NBA has to offer over his long coaching tenure that ran just short of three decades. Popovich’s unique coaching style is a virtue of his Air Force days. He was the captain of the US armed forces team and traveled to Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union in 1972 before turning to coaching. It’s no coincidence that his Spurs teams have become so organized and disciplined. He took the team from 3-15 and turned it into a winning machine, capturing titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Over his 29-year tenure at San Antonio, Popovich’s teams made it into the playoffs in 22 straight seasons, and he was named Coach of the Year three times.

The news of him waving goodbye to coaching comes after he suffered an unfortunate mild stroke back in November. This restrained the 76-year-old Spurs head coach from being able to be on the sidelines. Reports suggest that Pop suffered another hospitalization after a medical incident at a local restaurant in San Antonio. While his coaching days are over, after being part of some of the most historic teams and moments, Gregg Popovich has made a massive announcement about his future, as he expressed his excitement about taking up this new opportunity at his beloved franchise.

Gregg Popovich takes up new role at the Spurs

Gregg Popovich’s coaching days are behind him after he announced that he won’t be returning to the sidelines back November. However, another announcement has given the Spurs faithful a sigh of relief. That’s because while we won’t see Pop yelling at the San Antonio players from the sidelines, he still is part of his beloved franchise. This comes after the team announced that Popovich is transitioning from coaching to Team President. It’s great news for the San Antonio fans, who’ll feel great knowing the team is still in a way under Pop’s watchful eyes. “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” said Popovich in his statement.

“I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community, and city that are so meaningful to me.” Popovich expressed his love for the city of San Antonio and its people.

Pop joined the franchise in the summer of 1988 as a coaching assistant on Larry Brown’s staff. Since then, Popovich has climbed the ranks and enjoyed a successful 37-year tenure in the league both as a coach and an executive. He spent two seasons from 1992-94 as an assistant coach for Don Nelson, with the rest of his 35 seasons all being with the Spurs.

The entire hoops world has been pouring love for Gregg Popovich since the massive announcement. The Spurs’ new Team President is the reason why so many teams play basketball a certain way. He changed the way basketball is played throughout the world. Moreover, he’s inspired everyone from coaches to players to fans. While it’s emotional to see such a historic tenure come to an end, it makes you be grateful that it happened in the first place. There’s no doubt that Gregg Popovich will go down as one of the most iconic coaches in the history of the league. In fact, he already has. We wish Coach Pop all the best for his new endeavors as he takes up the role of Team President.