Gregg Popovich put small-market San Antonio on the map by coaching the Spurs to five NBA titles with a combination of grit and grumpiness that couldn't overshadow a generosity of spirit.
But his historic 29-year run as coach of the Spurs ended Friday with the club announcing the 76-year-old legend will move into a new role as president of basketball operations.
"Coach Pop" made NBA history on March 11, 2022, with his 1,336th regular-season victory, surpassing the legendary Don Nelson when the Spurs edged visiting Utah 104-102.
Popovich signed a five-year contract extension to coach the club through the 2027-28 season but suffered a stroke last November and took an indefinite leave as coach of the Spurs, finishing with a record 1,422 coaching victories.