Gregg Popovich didn’t just coach the Spurs—he was the Spurs. From drawing up plays for Duncan on a clipboard older than half the roster to giving sideline death stares that sent shivers through opposing coaches, Pop was the constant in San Antonio’s ever-changing landscape. But on February 27, behind closed doors and away from the cameras, the Hall of Famer sat his players down for one final huddle—and no, this wasn’t about switching on a pick-and-roll.

It was a message. Real, raw, and totally Pop. He told the team he wouldn’t be returning this season. At the time, he left a sliver of hope—maybe he’d coach again. But deep down? Everyone knew what that meant. Pop, the NBA’s oldest head coach, was finally walking away from the grind. That private locker room moment hit harder than a Manu flop. And now, thanks to Shams, the full picture is clear—Pop’s coaching days are over, and so is his massive deal.

Pop Walks Away from an $80 Million Deal Like It’s a Tuesday

Yeah, you read that right. Pop signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension just last summer—one of the richest deals ever inked by an NBA coach. That contract was supposed to carry him through age 81. Instead, it got iced less than a year in. No drama. No buyout saga. Just… done. Classic Pop—more substance, less spectacle.

After suffering a mild stroke in November, Gregg Popovich remained around the team but never returned to the bench. He still pulled strings from the shadows—watching film, advising staff, dropping the occasional dry one-liner—but physically, the coaching grind wasn’t sustainable anymore. And if there’s one thing Pop doesn’t do, it’s half-speed. So rather than hang on for a paycheck, he pulled himself out. Quiet. Dignified. Ruthlessly self-aware.

Don’t get it twisted—he’s still with the franchise, now focusing full-time on his role as President of Basketball Ops. He’s still calling shots, just not timeouts. It’s like if Gandalf retired from adventuring but stayed behind to run the kingdom. Spurs culture? Still very much alive. But the clipboard? Officially handed over.

So… Who’s Next on the Clipboard?

With Gregg Popovich stepping away, the big question in San Antonio is: who’s got the keys now? Assistant coach Mitch Johnson held things down this year, going 31-48 with a young, chaotic squad led by Victor Wembanyama and a rotating cast of “Wait, he’s still in the league?” role players. He’s internal, he’s been groomed, and he’s got Pop’s trust, which counts for more than any resume bullet point.

Either way, the next coach inherits one of the most exciting foundations in the league. Wemby is a walking cheat code. The cap sheet’s clean. And the expectations? Manageable—for now. But whoever takes that seat better be ready to uphold a legacy built on fundamentals, defense, and roasting sideline reporters. Because when you’re following Pop, it’s not just about wins. It’s about running the system, living the culture, and knowing when to sub out a future Hall of Famer for missing a rotation.

No pressure.