If you’re asking who coaches the Spurs, you probably already know the name. Gregg Popovich. Pop. The guy with five rings and a penchant for being famously short with sideline reporters. But in 2026, the answer carries way more weight than just a name on a clipboard. It’s about a legacy that’s currently being rewritten in real-time.
He’s been there since 1996. Think about that for a second. When Popovich took over as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, the internet was barely a thing and Michael Jordan was still winning titles in Chicago. Today, he’s the winningest coach in NBA history. He surpassed Don Nelson's record of 1,335 wins back in 2022 and has just kept moving the bar higher.
It’s honestly kind of wild. Most coaches get fired after three bad seasons. Pop has lived through multiple eras of basketball, from the "Twin Towers" of David Robinson and Tim Duncan to the international flair of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and now, the Victor Wembanyama era.
The Coach Who Refused to Retire
For years, people kept predicting Pop would walk away. When Tim Duncan retired in 2016, everyone said, "This is it." When Manu and Tony left, we all thought the same thing. But then something happened. The Spurs landed the number one pick in 2023, and a 7-foot-4 French alien named Victor Wembanyama landed in San Antonio.
Suddenly, the guy who had nothing left to prove found a reason to stick around.
Popovich isn't just a coach anymore; he’s essentially the architect of the entire organization. He signed a five-year contract extension in 2023 worth over $80 million. That's a massive commitment for a guy in his mid-70s. But it’s not about the money. It’s about the fact that the Spurs aren't just a team; they’re a school. And Pop is the dean.
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Why the Popovich System Still Matters
People talk about "The Spurs Way" like it’s some mystical secret. It’s not. It’s basically just being a professional and not being a jerk. Popovich looks for players who are "bored with their own success." He wants guys who have "overcome themselves."
If you watch a Spurs practice, you might be surprised. It’s not always about X’s and O’s. Pop is known for taking the team out to long dinners and talking about world history, wine, or politics. He wants his players to be humans first and athletes second. He’s always said that if basketball is the most important thing in a player's life, they’ve got a problem.
That philosophy is why who coaches the Spurs is such a vital question for the league. He’s the last of a dying breed. In an era of player empowerment and 24-hour social media cycles, Popovich remains a guy who values the collective over the individual.
The Wembanyama Factor
Let's get real. The only reason we’re still talking about Popovich as an active coach in 2026 is Victor Wembanyama. Watching them together is like watching a master craftsman get his hands on a piece of marble that only appears once a century.
Popovich has had to change his coaching style for Wemby. In the old days, he was a bit of a tyrant—just ask Tony Parker about his rookie year. But with Victor, it’s different. It’s more of a partnership. Pop knows that he can’t put shackles on a player with that kind of range.
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The strategy has shifted. The Spurs are playing faster. They’re experimenting. Sometimes it looks messy. But Popovich is playing the long game. He’s not coaching for a win in November; he’s coaching to build a foundation for a decade of dominance.
The Coaching Tree: Pop’s Real Legacy
If you look around the NBA, Popovich is everywhere. It’s kinda crazy how many current coaches and executives started under him.
- Steve Kerr (Warriors) – Played for Pop, won titles.
- Mike Budenholzer – Was Pop’s lead assistant for forever.
- Ime Udoka (Rockets) – Another Pop disciple.
- Taylor Jenkins (Grizzlies) – Came through the Spurs' G-League system.
- Becky Hammon – Broke barriers as an assistant under Pop before winning titles in the WNBA.
When you ask who coaches the Spurs, you’re also asking who coached half the league. His influence is inescapable. He’s the Godfather of modern basketball strategy, specifically when it comes to ball movement and international scouting.
Dealing with the "Old Man" Narrative
There are always critics. Some people think the game has passed him by. They point to the losing seasons before Wemby arrived and say the Spurs lost their touch. Honestly, that's a pretty surface-level take.
The Spurs chose to rebuild. They didn't get stuck in the "middle" of the NBA where you're too good for a high draft pick but too bad to win a title. They tore it down. Popovich stayed through the losses, which says a lot about his character. Most legendary coaches would have bailed to protect their win-loss percentage. He didn't.
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What Happens After Popovich?
This is the big question in San Antonio. Eventually, he will retire. He can't coach until he's 100, though some fans wish he would.
The Spurs have a plan. They always do. Whether it’s Brett Brown (who returned to the staff) or a former player like Manu Ginobili taking a larger role, the DNA of the team won’t change. But replacing a guy who has been the face of the franchise for thirty years? That’s impossible.
For now, the answer to who coaches the Spurs remains the same as it has been since the Clinton administration. It's the guy in the blazer who looks like he'd rather be drinking a glass of Pinot Noir in Tuscany but stays because he loves the grind of teaching a 20-year-old how to set a proper back-screen.
How to Watch the Popovich Era Close Out
If you want to understand the brilliance of Gregg Popovich, don't just look at the scoreboard. Watch his timeouts. Watch how he talks to players after they make a mistake.
- Look at the defensive rotations. Popovich has always prioritized "man and ball" defense over flashy steals.
- Watch the "Extra Pass." The Spurs still hunt for the best shot, not just the first shot. This is the hallmark of Pop’s offense.
- Check the post-game interviews. They’re usually short, but if a reporter asks a genuine basketball question, Pop will give a masterclass in response.
The NBA is a better place with Gregg Popovich in it. He’s the league’s conscience. He’s the guy who reminds everyone that it’s just a game, even while he’s working harder than anyone else to win it.
Actionable Insights for Spurs Fans
To truly follow the team and understand the coaching direction this season, keep an eye on these specific developments:
- Monitor Minutes Management: Popovich is famous for "load management" (he practically invented it). Watch how he handles Wembanyama’s minutes during back-to-back games to ensure long-term health.
- Track the Defensive Rating: Historically, Popovich-led teams thrive on defense. Even with a young roster, the goal is always a top-10 defensive efficiency.
- Observe the Rotation Tightening: Early in the season, Pop usually experiments with 10 or 11 players. By March, he’ll shorten that to an 8-man rotation as he prepares the young core for high-pressure situations.
- Follow Official Channels: For the most accurate news on coaching staff changes or Pop's status, stick to the Official San Antonio Spurs site or veteran beat writers like those at the San Antonio Express-News. Avoid "rumor mill" sites that have been predicting his retirement for a decade.
The Gregg Popovich era is in its final act, but it’s arguably the most interesting chapter yet. Understanding who coaches the Spurs means understanding that in San Antonio, stability isn't just a goal—it's the entire identity of the franchise.