San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich no longer head coach, transitioning to new role

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The San Antonio Spurs announced that Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich will be stepping down from the head coach position for the Spurs, transitioning to a different role.

The NBA team announced Popovich will serve as the Spurs presidents of basketball operations.

During his tenure as head coach, Popovich, referred to in the San Antonio community as "Pop", has garnered 1,422 regular season wins, the most in NBA history.

He has served as head coach for the Spurs for 29 seasons. Pop has also captured five NBA Championships during his time as head coach, leading historic teams and legendary players.

"While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided its time to step away as head coach," Pop wrote in a statement. "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."

The transition comes just months after Popovich announced he would not be returning this season after suffering a medical incident in February. Reports say Pop suffered another hospitalization on April 15 after a medical incident at a local San Antonio restaurant.

After joining the Spurs in the summer of 1988 as an assistant coach on Larry Brown's staff, Pop has enjoyed a 37-year career in the NBA as a coach and executive, the Spurs statement read.

"Coach Pop's extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound. His accolades and awards don't do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs," wrote Peter J. Holt on Popovich's transition.