_Popovich’s Coaching Career Hangs in Balance as Spurs Rule Him Out for Season_
The San Antonio Spurs have announced that head coach Gregg Popovich will not return to the sidelines for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, casting uncertainty over the future of the NBA’s longest-tenured coach.
Popovich, 75, has been dealing with health issues that have forced him to miss several games this season. While the team has not disclosed the nature of his health concerns, sources close to the organization suggest that Popovich’s condition is more serious than initially thought.
The Spurs’ decision to rule Popovich out for the season has sparked widespread speculation about his future with the team. Popovich, who has been San Antonio’s head coach since 1996, is the NBA’s all-time leader in regular-season wins and has led the Spurs to five NBA championships.
While Popovich has shown no indication that he plans to retire, his advanced age and health concerns have raised questions about his ability to continue coaching at the highest level.
“Gregg’s health and well-being are our top priority,” said Spurs general manager Brian Wright. “We will continue to support him and provide him with the resources he needs to recover.”
The Spurs have named assistant coach Mitch Johnson as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Johnson, a longtime member of Popovich’s coaching staff, will face the daunting task of guiding the team through the final stretch of the season without the guidance of the legendary coach.
As the Spurs navigate this uncertain period, one thing is clear: the NBA will be holding its collective breath, hoping for a speedy recovery for one of the greatest coaches in league history.
