SAN ANTONIO — Gregg Popovich, a towering figure in NBA coaching, will step down as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs to focus on his new role as president of basketball operations, sources confirmed on Friday. The decision follows Popovich’s ongoing recovery from a mild stroke he experienced in November.

At 76 years old, Popovich holds the record for the most wins in NBA history with 1,422 victories. His tenure as head coach began in 1996 following a challenging start to that season and was marked by a remarkable legacy, including five championships and three Coach of the Year awards—tied for the most in the league’s history.

Popovich’s involvement with the Spurs dates back to 1988, when he joined as an assistant coach under Larry Brown. His transformative leadership led the Spurs through two-plus decades of excellence, characterized by 22 consecutive playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019. Under his guidance, the team consistently posted winning seasons, including an impressive streak of 50 or more wins in 18 consecutive campaigns.

Assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over on an interim basis during Popovich’s absence, leading the Spurs to a record of 31 wins and 45 losses in the current season. While Popovich has remained active in the franchise’s day-to-day operations, he recognized the demanding nature of coaching in the NBA was no longer sustainable for him.

Popovich has spent considerable time at the Spurs’ training facility in recent days. Though he expressed a desire to return to the sideline, he ultimately concluded that his health and recovery must take priority. Sources indicate he is making strides in his rehabilitation.

The coach’s legacy is intertwined with the careers of several NBA legends, including Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Tony Parker, among others. Together, they built a culture of winning that defined San Antonio basketball for nearly two decades.

In February, Popovich had a heartfelt meeting with Spurs players, indicating that while he wouldn’t return this season, he remained hopeful for future involvement. A minor medical incident in April sidelined him briefly, but he returned home quickly and has since been reported to be in good health.

Popovich became the oldest coach in NBA history and had signed a five-year contract extension in 2023. In addition to his coaching duties in San Antonio, he also led the United States men’s national team to gold medals at the 2019 FIBA World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics.

His departure from the head coaching role also shifts the title of the longest-tenured active NBA head coach to Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, who has been in his position since 2008. Popovich and Spoelstra, both successful in their roles, famously faced one another in consecutive NBA Finals in 2013 and 2014, with each coach claiming a championship title.

As the Spurs transition away from their historic coach on the bench, the franchise prepares for a new era in basketball, with Popovich’s influence continuing to shape their approach and philosophy in the years to come.