Popovich won't return to Spurs this season, hopes to coach in future

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich confirmed Thursday he will not return to the bench this season as he continues to recover from a stroke suffered in November.

The 76-year-old said he hopes to eventually resume his coaching career.

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

Popovich informed the team of his decision Thursday during an emotional, in-person meeting, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. It was the Hall of Fame coach's first visit to the Spurs since suffering a mild stroke Nov. 2.

Popovich, who also serves as president of basketball operations, has manned the Spurs' bench for 29 consecutive seasons - the longest stretch of any active head coach. He signed a five-year extension in July 2023 that ties him to the franchise through 2027-28.

The Spurs said in November that Popovich is expected to make a full recovery. However, his NBA future was reported as uncertain Saturday as he continues to recuperate from the stroke.

The five-time NBA champion owns the record for most coaching wins with 1,412 to date, though that number includes 22 victories from Johnson's interim stint this season. Popovich had already amassed 1,388 career wins before stepping away Nov. 2, increasing the distance between him and Don Nelson (1,335), who he overtook in March 2022.