Gregg Popovich steps down as San Antonio Spurs head coach and is moving to team’s front office as president

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich – the NBA’s all-time winningest coach – has made the decision to leave the team’s sideline.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich – the NBA’s all-time winningest head coach – has made the decision to leave the team’s sideline after 29 seasons. “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in a statement released by the team. “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 will transition to the team’s president of basketball operations, according to the team. ESPN was first to report on his decision. Popovich, 76, had been absent from the sideline since suffering a mild stroke on November 2 at Frost Bank Center, the home arena of the Spurs. At the time, the team announced that he was in rehabilitation and was “expected to make a full recovery.” In a statement released in December, Popovich had expressed his desire to return to coaching.