### Celebrating a Legacy: Gregg Popovich's Retirement Marks the End of an Era in the NBA Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, officially announced his retirement on May 2, 2025, after an illustrious 29-year career that included five NBA championships and the most coaching wins in league history. His decision to step down follows health challenges, including a mild stroke he suffered in November 2024. As he transitions to a front office role, the basketball community has come together to honor his contributions to the game, with notable figures like LeBron James expressing their admiration for Popovich's impact on and off the court [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lebron-james-pays-respects-retiring-025054804.html][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lebron_james_gives_gregg_popovich_his_flowers_after_retirement_announcement/s1_17074_42171003]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Retirement Announcement and Health Issues** - Popovich's retirement was officially announced on May 2, 2025, after a season impacted by health issues, including a stroke [https://timesng.com/gregg-popovich-retires]. - He expressed that it was time for a new coach, Mitch Johnson, to lead the Spurs [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/05/sports/spurs-gregg-popovich]. 2. **Tributes and Recognition** - LeBron James and other NBA figures have publicly praised Popovich for his coaching prowess and personal influence [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lebron-james-pays-respects-retiring-025054804.html][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lebron_james_gives_gregg_popovich_his_flowers_after_retirement_announcement/s1_17074_42171003]. - International sports icons, such as Thierry Henry, have also paid tribute to Popovich, highlighting his global impact [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs/spurs-news-premiere-league-legend-thierry-henry-pays-tribute-to-gregg-popovich]. 3. **Transition to New Leadership** - Mitch Johnson, who served as an interim coach during Popovich's absence, has been officially named the new head coach with a multi-year commitment from the Spurs [https://yardbarker.com/nba/articles/spurs_hc_mitch_johnson_receives_multi_year_commitment_from_team/s1_14822_42160299]. - Popovich will now take on a front office role as president of basketball operations, continuing to influence the franchise [https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/05/06/new-era-in-san-antonio-as-pop-shifts-to-role-as-el-jefe]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Coaching Achievements**: - 29 seasons with the Spurs, the longest tenure for any coach with a single franchise in NBA history. - Five NBA championships and the most wins in league history, totaling 1,366 regular season victories [https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/05/05/end-of-popovich-era]. - **Health and Retirement Context**: - Popovich's retirement follows a mild stroke in November 2024, which significantly impacted his ability to coach [https://timesng.com/gregg-popovich-retires]. - His public appearances post-stroke have drawn attention, with fans expressing concern for his health [https://dailymail.co.uk/sport/nba/article-14680653/san-antonio-spurs-legend-gregg-popovich-sparks-fears.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Spurs **Gregg Popovich's retirement signifies a monumental shift in the NBA landscape, marking the end of an era characterized by excellence and innovation.** 1. **Retirement Announcement**: Popovich officially retired after 29 seasons, citing health concerns and the need for new leadership [https://timesng.com/gregg-popovich-retires]. 2. **Tributes from Peers**: His legacy has been celebrated by players and coaches alike, including heartfelt messages from LeBron James and others [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/lebron-james-pays-respects-retiring-025054804.html]. 3. **Mitch Johnson's Promotion**: The Spurs have appointed Mitch Johnson as the new head coach, ensuring continuity in the franchise's culture [https://yardbarker.com/nba/articles/spurs_hc_mitch_johnson_receives_multi_year_commitment_from_team/s1_14822_42160299]. As the Spurs transition into this new era, Popovich's influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the organization and the broader basketball community.