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Where is Gregg Popovich now? Explaining legendary Spurs coach's 'secret' role with San Antonio originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Spurs are in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since Gregg Popovich stepped away as the team's head coach, but his influence is still felt throughout the organization.
The five-time NBA champion transitioned to the team's front office after the 2024-25 season, ending an almost three-decade tenure in his role as head coach. Popovich ended his head coaching career with the most wins by any coach in NBA history, as he had a 1,390-824 record while only coaching the Spurs.
San Antonio set its return to prominence with one of the brightest young cores in the league and Popovich's fingerprints are still all over the organization. Here's a look at Popovich's current role with the Spurs and how he's helped the team get to this point.
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Where is Gregg Popovich now?
Popovich still works for the Spurs, as he is listed as San Antonio's President of Basketball Operations and works in the front office alongside CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright. However, Popovich likes to say his role is as "El Jefe," which his unveiled during his retirement press conference.
Popovich has been in rehab since he suffered a stroke in 2024, as the stroke prevented him from returning as the team's head coach. He still is able to work for the team's front office and assist any way he can.
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What is Gregg Popovich's role with Spurs?
According to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, Popovich's main role is to help head coach Mitch Johnson and the players behind the scenes. During the season, Popovich has provided the team with advice and assistance as necessary, which the players appreciate
"At the end of the day, he's always giving you feedback, and he's telling you the truth and honesty," Devin Vassell said. "That’s what you need to hear because it's a lot of BS that might go around. But you need to hear the truth, you need to hear what's going on, and he'll do that for sure."
Weiss reports it was "an open secret" that Popovich was still trying to bond with players despite no longer being the team's head coach, as players are not afraid to go to him for advice. Additionally, Popovich has helped the team streamline communication between players, coaches and the front office.
Popovich is still rehabbing from the stroke he suffered in 2024, so he's often in the gym with Tim Duncan alongside the rest of the team. When he's not doing rehab, he may be watching film or supporting the coaching staff in any way.
"He's been a big part of this whole year," Carter Bryant said, via The Athletic. "It's been amazing. Not everybody has the greatest coach of all time just kind of sitting there in their laps. I just try to take it up as much as I can."
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Why did Gregg Popovich retire?
Popovich retired as the Spurs' head coach after he suffered a stroke in 2024 and couldn't return to the sidelines. Popovich's stroke occurred in November of 2024, and the legendary head coach was unable to return to the sidelines for the rest of the season.
"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 said in a statement.
When did Gregg Popovich retire?
Popovich announced he was transitioning to the Spurs front office on May 2, 2025, after 29 years as the team's head coach.
Popovich's retirement press conference came at the same time when the team announced Mitch Johnson as the team's new head coach and it was the first time that Popovich spoke in public since suffering the stroke.
Gregg Popovich health issues
On November 2, 2024, Popovich suffered a mild stroke at the Spurs facility that forced the then-Spurs coach to step away from the team.
Then, in February of 2025, it was announced that Popovich would not be able to return to the sidelines that season, which preceded Popovich announcing his retirement as Spurs head coach in May.
Popovich is still rehabbing from his stroke as he deals with complications from the initial issue, which forces him to use a cane and assistance in public.
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