Gregg Popovich, the legendary San Antonio Spurs coach, suffered a stroke in late 2024 that significantly impacted his health and led to his retirement from coaching.

He's now serving as President of Basketball Operations for the Spurs while recovering.

Health Timeline

Popovich experienced a mild stroke in November 2024 , followed by a setback in April 2025.

  • He made his first public appearance in May 2025 to introduce Mitch Johnson as the new head coach, flanked by Spurs legends like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.
  • Recent sightings in January 2026 show him using a cane at events, including a standing ovation at an Austin Spurs game and walking off the court, drawing emotional fan reactions online.
  • No reports of new incidents since his retirement; focus remains on his ongoing rehabilitation, with daily support from former players.

Career Transition

After nearly three decades and becoming the NBA's winningest coach, Popovich stepped down in May 2025 to prioritize health and team needs.

“We have to have someone in charge who is fully capable of giving their very best because that’s what this group deserves.”

Mitch Johnson, a longtime assistant, took over, maintaining the Spurs' culture of discipline amid young stars like Victor Wembanyama.

Community Honors

San Antonio plans "Coach Gregg Popovich Day" on January 28, 2026 —his birthday—as a service day to honor his compassion and leadership.

A push to rename the airport after him was rejected due to rebranding costs.

Fan and Forum Reactions

Online buzz mixes heartbreak with admiration, calling recent cane videos "sad sights" yet celebrating his resilience.

Reddit threads from 2025 urged privacy on his health, while others speculated safely on recovery odds.

Supporters highlight Spurs "family" bonds, like Duncan and Ginobili aiding rehab daily.

TL;DR : Popovich retired post-stroke, stays in front office, and is honored locally amid visible recovery progress—no major new events as of January 2026.

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