Gregg Popovich: A Coach's Story

4/22/2024

Intro

Gregg Popovich, often hailed as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, is known to most as "Coach Pop". Known for his tactical genius, unwavering leadership, and commitment to excellence, Popovich's ability to relate to players has set him apart. Today, we dive into the life, career, and legacy of the man behind the San Antonio Spurs' dynasty.

The Early Years

Gregg Charles Popovich was born on January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, to a Serbian father and a Croatian mother. Growing up in an industrial town, Popovich was instilled with the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience from a young age. He attended Merrillville High School, where he excelled in both academics and basketball. Popovich continued his education at the United States Air Force Academy, where he played basketball for four years and graduated with a degree in Soviet Studies. He averaged 14.3 points per game as a senior in 1969-1970 and shot a respectable 55.9% from the field. The 6'3" guard also added 4.5 rebounds per game for a team that finished 12-12.

Military Service

Following his graduation from the Air Force Academy in 1970, Popovich served five years of active duty in the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, he rose to the rank of captain and gained valuable experience in leadership and organizational management. Though his military career was promising, Popovich's passion for basketball never waned. He continued to play and coach the sport during his off-duty hours, demonstrating his ability to balance his military responsibilities with his love for the game.

Coach Pop Speaking at the White House

Finding The Spurs

After completing his military service, Popovich pursued a career in coaching. He began his coaching journey in 1973 as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy under the legendary Hank Egan. Popovich's coaching acumen quickly caught the attention of basketball circles, and he soon ascended the coaching ranks. He would make stops at Pomona-Pitzer, Kansas, and back to Pomona-Pitzer.

In 1978, he married Erin Popovich and would shared 40 years with his wife. She passed away in 2018 from respiratory illness, leaving Gregg and their two children, Jill and Mickey.

In 1988, Popovich joined the NBA as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs under head coach Larry Brown (Pop had worked under Brown at Kansas). His tenure with the Spurs marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the franchise (although Pop did spend a couple seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors from 1992-1994). Popovich's intelligence, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players were evident from the start, laying the groundwork for his future success.

Building a Dynasty

Gregg Popovich Early in His Coaching Career

In 1996, Gregg Popovich was named the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, succeeding Bob Hill. Little did anyone know that this appointment would herald the dawn of a new era of dominance in the NBA. Under Popovich's guidance, the Spurs underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a perennial championship contender. Under Popovich's tenure, the Spurs made the playoffs in every season from 1997 to 2020 (excluding the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season), setting a record for consecutive postseason appearances in the NBA.

Popovich's coaching philosophy was built on the principles of defense, discipline, and unselfishness. He emphasized teamwork over individual accolades, instilling a culture of selflessness and accountability within the organization. Popovich's ability to maximize the potential of his players, regardless of their background or skill level, set him apart as a masterful tactician.

Led by future Hall of Famers such as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, the Spurs became synonymous with excellence and consistency en route to five NBA championships. Popovich's adaptability and willingness to evolve with the changing dynamics of the game ensured that the Spurs remained competitive year after year.

The Heart of the Matter

At the heart of Gregg Popovich's coaching philosophy is his unwavering commitment to his players' well-being, both on and off the court. He is renowned for his ability to forge deep connections with his players, serving as a mentor, confidant, and father figure to many. Popovich's leadership style is characterized by empathy, honesty, and integrity, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and players alike.

Beyond his success on the basketball court, Popovich is also revered for his outspokenness on social and political issues. He has never shied away from using his platform to address pressing issues such as racial injustice, inequality, and leadership in America. Specifically, Pop called racism a "national sin" following the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and has spoken publicly many times about gun control. Popovich's courage to speak truth to power has cemented his legacy as more than just a basketball coach but as a voice of conscience in a tumultuous world.

Legacy

Gregg Popovich's impact on the game of basketball transcends wins and championships, although there have been a lot of both. His NBA coaching record was 1388-821 at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season. The 1388 wins rank first all time among NBA head coaches, surpassing Don Nelson's 1335 (see here for a previous article on NBA coaches that have coached the most games). His unparalleled success with the San Antonio Spurs, coupled with his contributions to the development of the sport, have solidified his status as a coaching legend. Popovich's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career and lasting legacy. He was also honored as the NBA Coach of the Year three times (2003, 2012, 2014), recognizing his exceptional coaching prowess and leadership.

In July of 2023, Pop signed a 5 year, $80 million extension ($16 million per year) to usher in the arrival of Victor Wembanyama.

As he continues to lead the San Antonio Spurs into a new era of rebuilding and transition, Gregg Popovich's influence on the game remains as potent as ever. His relentless pursuit of excellence, dedication to his craft, and commitment to social justice serve as inspiration to coaches, players, and fans around the world.