Where is Gregg Popovich? Spurs coach remains away from team after suffering 'mild' stroke

It didn't take long for Gregg Popovich to become synonymous with the San Antonio Spurs organization.

In his second full season after taking over as interim head coach in 1996, Popovich led the Spurs to their first of five NBA titles under his leadership. Nearly 30 years later, Popovich is still the lead man in San Antonio, though he hasn't been present on the sideline since leading his team to a win over Utah on Oct. 31.

As the Spurs look to end a six-year playoff drought, they'll continue to lean on the stardom of second-year wunderkind Victor Wembanyama and the leadership of 20-year NBA veteran Chris Paul and interim head coach Mitch Johnson.

Where is Popovich? Here's the latest on San Antonio's legendary coach.

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Where is Gregg Popovich?

Popovich remains away from the Spurs as he takes part in a rehabilitation program for a health emergency sustained in early November. He is expected to make a full recovery, but there is no timeline for his return to coaching.

Popovich released the following statement through the organization on Monday, Dec. 16:

This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we've received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way. While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We're thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.
No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They've quickly learned that I'm less than coachable.

What happened to Gregg Popovich?

Popovich suffered a mild stroke ahead of San Antonio's game on Saturday, Nov. 2, the Spurs announced.

There is no timeline for Popovich to return to the sideline but he has not given any indication that he will retire from coaching.

How old is Gregg Popovich?

Popovich is 75.

He's the oldest head coach in North American men's professional sports and will turn 76 on Jan. 28, 2025.

Who is Mitch Johnson?

Johnson is an assistant coach for the Spurs and has been the interim head coach in Popovich's absence. He's in his ninth season with the organization and his fifth on San Antonio's bench.

Before joining Popovich's staff, Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio's G League affiliate. Johnson was the Spurs head coach during the NBA Summer League in 2022 and 2023.

He played basketball collegiately at Stanford and professionally in the G League and Europe.