Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon shared heartfelt words following Gregg Popovich’s retirement as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 iconic NBA seasons and a recent mild stroke.
Gregg Popovich Retires After 29 Legendary Seasons
After nearly three decades, Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s longest-serving coach, has stepped down from the sidelines. Becky Hammon, who served as an assistant under Popovich from 2014 to 2021, paid tribute, saying:
“He’s the one who guided me, spent literally thousands of hours with me… my heart is a little heavy for him because I know how much he loves it.”
Popovich will now serve as President of the San Antonio Spurs, with longtime assistant Mitch Johnson promoted to permanent head coach following his interim leadership during Popovich’s recovery.
Becky Hammon’s Historic Path with Popovich
Becky Hammon broke barriers in the NBA under Popovich’s mentorship:
- First woman to coach an NBA game in 2020
- First female head coach in NBA Summer League history
- Interviewed for several NBA head coaching roles
- Won back-to-back WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023
Despite speculation she would replace Popovich in San Antonio, Hammon reaffirmed her commitment:
“I’m extremely happy where I am… I love this team, and I’m passionate about women’s basketball.”
Mitch Johnson Named New Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs
Mitch Johnson, age 38, now leads the Spurs into a new era. Johnson’s coaching roots go deep within the organization:
- Assistant coach since 2018
- Head coach of the Austin Spurs in the G League
- 2018 G League Champion
- Led the team during the 2024–25 season in Popovich’s absence
He will guide rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and multiple upcoming draft picks during a crucial rebuild.
Gregg Popovich’s NBA Legacy – Year-by-Year Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| 1997 | Drafted Tim Duncan, forming one of the greatest NBA duos |
| 1999 | Won first NBA Championship |
| 2003–2014 | Won four more NBA titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) |
| 2020 | Led Team USA to Olympic gold in Tokyo |
| 2022 | Became the NBA’s all-time wins leader |
| 2023 | Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame |
| 2025 | Retired due to health issues, remains Spurs President |
Popovich constructed a model franchise, mentored dozens of coaches, and helped shape the course of the league. Very few coaches, not only in basketball but in all of professional sports, can match his level of leadership, commitment and success.
The NBA has said farewell to one of the greatest coaches ever. Gregg Popovich is moving from the sideline to the frontoffice, while Becky Hammon continues her groundbreaking career in the WNBA. Their mentor-protégé relationship will always represent tremendous growth, loyalty, and excellence in the game of basketball.