Popovich will not return to sidelines for Spurs this season

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has announced he will not be returning to the sidelines this season as he continues his recovery from a mild stroke.

The 76-year-old suffered a stroke on November 2 at Frost Bank Center before a home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Popovich reportedly met with the Spurs players for the first time since November on Thursday prior to the statement being released.

"I've decided not to return to the sidelines this season," Popovich said in a statement.

"Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding.

"I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future."

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— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 27, 2025

Assistant Mitch Johnson has led San Antonio since stepping up as interim in Popovich's absence, recording a 22-30 record in the NBA.

Popovich has coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season and is the oldest coach in NBA history, having turned 76 in January.

He has guided the Spurs to five NBA titles during his 29 years at the helm, and is the all-time leader in victories, with 1,412 regular season wins (1,390 excluding his time on the sidelines) and 170 in the postseason.