Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Says He’s ‘Forever Grateful’ for Support After Suffering Mild Stroke

Pop is on the mend!

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich — who suffered a mild stroke last month — is ready to get back to the bench, he said in a statement on X on Monday, Dec. 16 in his first comments regarding his health since stepping away from the team.

“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me,” Popovich, who turns 76 next month, said in the statement. “As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.”

Popovich continued, “While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”

The beloved coach who has a sweetly gruff persona also joked about how he’s fared as a patient.

“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process,” Popovich said. “They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”

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The team has not shared a timeline for the coach’s return.

Popovich suffered the stroke on Saturday, Nov. 2 just before the tip of the Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves game. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has acted as interim head coach since. During that time, the Spurs — headlined by 2023 NBA Draft No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and veteran guard Chris Paul —  have gone 11-10 in Pop’s absence.

In a health update about Popovich on Nov. 13, the Spurs said that the Hall of Fame coach, who has led the Spurs to five championships, was expected to make a full recovery and had already begun a rehabilitation program.