“Coach Pop” — Gregg Popovich — is still alive but has stepped away from coaching the San Antonio Spurs due to health issues, and is now focused on an executive role with the team.

What happened to Coach Pop?

In November 2024 , Popovich suffered a mild stroke just before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which caused him to miss the rest of that season. He later had another medical episode in April 2025 at a San Antonio steakhouse, requiring hospital transport, though it was described as non‑life‑threatening.

By May 2025 , he officially announced his retirement as head coach after 29 seasons with the Spurs and shifted into a full‑time role as President of Basketball Operations. Assistant Mitch Johnson was promoted to head coach to take over the bench.

His health and recent appearances

Popovich has since been seen at team events and practices, and reports in early 2026 describe him as healthier than earlier in his recovery , though clearly affected by age and his stroke. A recent video from a G League game in January 2026 showed him walking with a cane, which went viral and drew emotional reactions from fans.

What he’s doing now

  • Role : President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs, overseeing front‑office decisions while staying connected to the organization.
  • Status : Not coaching games, but still involved with the franchise and occasionally attending team activities.

In short: Coach Pop didn’t die ; he retired from the sideline for health reasons, remains with the Spurs in an executive role, and continues to be celebrated by fans as one of the NBA’s greatest coaches.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.