It is the end of an era for the San Antonio Spurs. On Friday, it was revealed that Gregg Popovich is stepping away from coaching and transitioning to a front-office role.
The longtime head coach suffered a mild stroke in November and stepped away again from the sidelines in February. Now, Mitch Johnson takes over as Spurs head coach, and Popovich walks away as the winningest coach in NBA history.
Reactions came pouring in left and right, and there is no secret what type of influence Popovich had in many involved in the game of basketball.
He has five NBA titles to his name, three NBA Coach of the Year awards, and has coached players such as Steve Kerr, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and too many others to count.
After the news came, the Popovich memories started to recirculate.
During his long career, Popovich was never short of having a hilarious moment, whether it be an interview, a sideline interaction, or an embrace with a coach after the game.
Here are some of the best Popovich moments for one of the most unique men to ever be associated with the NBA.
Hack-a-Shaq
Pop’s face after calling a “Hack-a-Shaq” 5 seconds into the game 😂
The legendary Spurs coach gets inducted into the #23HoopClass Saturday, August 12 at 8pm/et on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/2tPrO9HPg0
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) August 4, 2023
Dirk Nowitzki’s final bucket had a Popovich influence
Watch Gregg Popovich on Dirk’s last ever bucket pic.twitter.com/CtoRntOfLG
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) May 2, 2025
Happy?
Gregg Popovich’s best in-game interview might have been on Nov. 1, 2012 when David Aldridge asked him how happy he was with his team’s shot selection against the Thunder.
“Nobody’s happy.” pic.twitter.com/44rNC4pxjW
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) May 2, 2025
I’m so tired of this
April 14, 2018: After the Warriors beat the Spurs in G1 R1 of the playoffs, Gregg Popovich was vintage Gregg Popovich in the postgame presser
pic.twitter.com/MzejDp8B9O— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) April 15, 2025
Stop the Boos
Throwback to Gregg Popovich telling fans to stop booing Kawhi Leonard. Now, he’s officially stepping down as Spurs head coach. Thank you for everything, Coach 🙌
(via @NBA ) pic.twitter.com/jgfVMk7dSj
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) May 2, 2025
One of one
Gregg Popovich is the GOAT pic.twitter.com/qAwACT9eFo
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) May 2, 2025
History is made
This moment with Gregg Popovich and the Spurs players 😂👏 pic.twitter.com/0LIf67YGKS
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 12, 2022
Take a vote
With Gregg Popovich moving into 2nd on the all-time coaching wins list… look back at one of his most memorable mic’d up moments with the @spurs! #NBA75pic.twitter.com/tCXpGcFTbx
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2022
Craig Sager interview
In celebration of our coach’s 71st birthday, here is my all-time favorite Gregg Popovich moment.
He may come off as stern, but his best characteristic is his genuine care and compassion for others. pic.twitter.com/91M73P6Daj
— Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) January 29, 2020
I don’t remember playing tonight
Gregg Popovich with a great response when asked it was his fault his players weren’t motivated to play tonight pic.twitter.com/jdIUHB34Eh
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 9, 2016
Unimaginable
“Unimaginable.” 🥹 Coach Pop takes the stage. #23HoopClass | @HEB pic.twitter.com/SqmVRft5kD
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 13, 2023
I need a hug
Fan: “We drove 2,000 miles in 4 days to get here from San Antonio.”
Gregg Popovich: “I need a hug.”
This moment between Coach Pop and a Spurs fan at the Basketball Hall-of-Fame ❤️🙏🏽pic.twitter.com/bTvaejVKip
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 11, 2023
I have no idea
Throwback to my first interaction with the legendary Gregg Popovich. A moment I’ll never forget 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/TEoh7XOiNx
— Brett James (@thebrettjames1) June 20, 2024
Two questions only
Happy birthday to one of the greatest coaches of all time: Gregg Popovich!! 🎉🎉
Throwback to this CLASSIC interview he did with Charles Barkley (@NBAonTNT) #GoSpursGo #nbaontnt pic.twitter.com/mreWPd94lc— THROWBACK NBA MOMENTS 🏀 (@nba_throwback) January 28, 2021
Crashing the interview
Gregg Popovich gets tossed 63 seconds into tonight’s game, then joins Michael Malone in his postgame presser. pic.twitter.com/OgskeZuwHn
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) April 4, 2019
Truly, Gregg Popovich was one of a kind and will be remembered forever.
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