(Reuters) – Gregg Popovich has stepped down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs and will transition to the club’s president of basketball operations, the NBA team said on Friday.
The 76-year-old Popovich, who has the most wins by any coach in NBA history, suffered a mild stroke last November and did not return during the remainder of the season.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” said Popovich.
“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 is a three-time NBA coach of the year who led the Spurs to five championships and directed the U.S. men’s team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2023.
Popovich took over as Spurs coach in 1996 and turned them into one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)
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