Popovich had a stroke in November
Longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is not returning this season.
Popovich addressed the team Thursday for the first time since having a stroke to update players on his recovery and inform them he is not returning this season, according to NBA writer Chris Haynes.
Popovich, 76, had a "mild stroke" in November and released a statement on his decision not to return Thursday.
Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
"I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season. Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job, and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding," the statement said.
"I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future."
Popovich is the oldest head coach in NBA history. He coached at the age of 75 before turning 76 during his time away from the team.
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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks to the media before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans April 5, 2024. (Stephen Lew/USA Today Sports)
He is a five-time NBA champion, the NBA’s career leader with 1,401 wins and 170 career playoff wins and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
The Spurs are 24-33 this season and are 13th in the Western Conference.
Despite acquiring star point guard De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline, the Spurs' playoff hopes are slim in a strong Western Conference.
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul has a word with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
The Spurs would have a much better chance of making the playoffs with star center Victor Wembanyama, but the team recently ruled him out for the rest of the season with a blood clot in his shoulder.
The Spurs’ next game is on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.
