Gregg Popovich is a living legend for the San Antonio Spurs. At 75 years old, Popovich is the oldest head coach in the NBA today, and with five championship rings, he’s one of the most accomplished coaches in league history. Popovich’s 1,391 wins ranks No. 1 all-time in the NBA.
Popovich is stepping away from the Spurs after a health scare, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson will be San Antonio’s new interim head coach. Pop is expected to be out indefinitely. Popovich has an undisclosed illness, according to the team.
Popovich reportedly became ill about two hours before tip-off ahead of the Spurs’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. He will not travel with the team on their current road trip to Houston and Los Angeles.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a health issue before Saturday’s game and assistant Mitch Johnson is expected to be the interim head coach for indefinite period, including Monday vs. Clippers and Wednesday vs. Rockets, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qqdDtyc2GJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2024
The Spurs are 3-3 on the young season. San Antonio has struggled struggled in recent years, but the Spurs have as much hope as any team in the league going forward with Victor Wembanyama as their centerpiece.
Popovich has been the Spurs’ head coach since 1996. He’s a three-time NBA Coach of the Year, and led USA Basketball to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
We’ll update this story as it develops.
