Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is the oldest head coach in the NBA, but there was little doubt he would return for a 29th season with San Antonio's future so bright.
While last season didn't include many wins, the development of phenom Victor Wembanyama gave Popovich a reason to stay. Between Wembanyama, a supporting cast that includes promising rookie Stephon Castle and the much-needed veteran leadership of Chris Paul, the Spurs' 2024-25 season was supposed to be one of progress under Popovich.
As expected, progress has been bumpy to start the season — but the Spurs are now dealing with more serious off-the-court matters with Popovich away from the team after he suffered a health issue. Interim coach Mitch Johnson has the tough task of making sure San Antonio's on-court development continues until Popovich is ready to return.
Here's what you need to know about Popovich's timeline to return.
SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
How long is Gregg Popovich out?
There is no timeline for Popovich's return after he suffered a mild stroke on Saturday, Nov. 2. In an official announcement, the Spurs shared that Popovich "has already started a rehabilitation program" and "is expected to make a full recovery."
Johnson indicated on Monday, Nov. 4, that Popovich is expected to recover and also is expected to return at some point.
"He'll be okay, and we can't wait to have him back," Johnson told reporters, adding that he spoke to Popovich.
Mitch Johnson is here, in place of Greg Popovich:
— Money Mona (@Gmona48) November 5, 2024
“I talked to him last night. He’s in good spirits. He’ll be okay. And he will be back.” pic.twitter.com/NdHlKns7Z6
Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama was asked for an update about Pop after a 118-105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 6. He said the following:
We don't hear a lot from Pop. They keep us informed as much as we're allowed to know. So, I'm not worried about him. I know he's going to come back soon.
Both Johnson and Wembanyama expressing optimism for Popovich's return indicates he should be back on the floor before the end of the season.
At his age, though, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Popovich take his time getting back up to speed. It's still early in the season, and Popovich has always had a significant amount of trust in his coaching staff. In order to be available for the bulk of the season, it might make more sense now for Popovich to be as cautious as possible.
Popovich is expected to make a full recovery. Spurs general manager Brian Wright discussed his head coach's absence on Wednesday, Nov. 13, ahead of his team's win game against the Washington Wizards.
When we walk into the building each and every day, we feel [Popovich’s] leadership, we feel that presence. And so not having him, there’s clearly a void. And we miss him. I don’t know that there’s another person that means so much to another organization, sports or non-sports. And he’s more than a coach.
Wizards coach Brian Keefe, who worked for Pop from 2005-07 as a video coordinator, added his own comments ahead of Wednesday's game.
People don’t realize how much of a sense of humor he has. "This is a guy who’s a really caring human being and he would look out for all of us. I was just a young guy in the video room, and he would look out for me.
Who is the Spurs' interim coach?
The Spurs chose assistant Mitch Johnson to be their interim head coach while Popovich is out.
The 39-year-old Johnson is a much younger voice, but he's worked under Popovich as an assistant since 2019 after a three-year stint with the Spurs' G League affiliate. A former player at Stanford, Johnson has briefly filled in for Popovich on two occasions before this more lengthy absence.
Johnson won his first game as interim coach this season, with the Spurs defeating the Timberwolves, but he lost to the Clippers and Rockets in the games that followed.
MORE: Trade destinations for Damian Lillard if Bucks tear down roster
What happened to Gregg Popovich?
Popovich suffered a mild stroke ahead of San Antonio's game on Saturday, Nov. 2. The franchise disclosed the details of his health issue on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
How old is Gregg Popovich?
Popovich is 75 years old, making him not just the oldest head coach in the NBA but the oldest head coach among the four major American professional men's sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) ahead of 72-year-old MLB manager Ron Washington.
Despite his age, retirement speculation surrounding Popovich has been fairly light in recent years. Popovich chose to oversee a complete rebuild in San Antonio at the start of the decade, and he stayed on to coach Wembanyama once the franchise drafted the phenom in 2023.
Retirement is only a matter of time at Popovich's age, but the Spurs are hoping the legendary coach can get back on the sideline to continue leading the development of the team's young core.
