Twenty-nine years, 22 consecutive playoff appearances, five championships and an unquantifiable amount of viral interview moments.
Gregg Popovich, 76, had a long, illustrious career as head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, but after he suffered a stroke in November 2024, Popovich’s future with the team fell into question. On May 2, Popovich announced he would be stepping down as the team’s head coach, officially giving the position to former assistant coach Mitch Johnson.
On Monday, May 5, Popovich made his first public appearance since the stroke. During the news conference, he not only confirmed that he was stepping down as head coach, but also that he is transitioning to a role in the organization’s front office as the team’s president of basketball operations. In typical Pop fashion, he didn’t hesitate to make the moment fun for everyone involved, announcing himself as ‘El Jefe.’
WATCH: Popovich’s full press conference
What does Popovich’s ‘El Jefe’ title entail?
Accompanied by two of the most esteemed players from his tenure as head coach, Manu Ginóbili and Tim Duncan, Popovich announced his new title of ‘El Jefe’ (the chief or boss) on Cinco de Mayo, which cannot be a coincidence, right? Ginóbili and Duncan took Pop’s jacket off to reveal an undershirt with that very title written across the chest. The back of the shirt read ‘Señor Popovich’ as well. But what does the coaching legend’s new position mean?
The president of basketball operations is one of the top dogs in any basketball organization. They oversee basically everything that has to do with the team, including scouting, contract negotiations and decisions involving the coaching staff, among other responsibilities.
Essentially, Popovich still will be heavily involved with the Spurs. He just won’t be on the sidelines anymore.
What else did Popovich say during the press conference?
Popovich took his time at the podium to address a few issues, particularly his health and his gratitude toward the Spurs.
He said, ‘I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people caring about the organization and sending me thoughts and prayers, that sort of thing, since I had this stroke.’ He also added that while he is recovering nicely from his stroke, he understands that the change needed to be made.
Popovich also expressed absolute faith in new head coach Mitch Johnson. ‘We need someone who is fully capable of giving their best, because that’s what this group deserves,’ said Popovich. ‘And we have that man here in San Antonio.’