Gregg Popovich has retired as San Antonio Spurs coach, ending a 29-year run that saw him lead the team to five NBA championships.
Popovich will become the Spurs' president of basketball operations.
The 76-year-old, who has the most wins by any coach in NBA history, suffered a mild stroke last November and did not return during the remainder of the season.
"While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement.
"I'm forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organisation, community and city that are so meaningful to me."
Popovich is a three-time NBA coach of the year and directed the US men's team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2023.
Popovich first joined the Spurs in 1988 as an assistant coach, a role he held for four seasons, before taking a job with Golden State Warriors for two seasons.
In 1994, Popovich returned to the Spurs as the team's general manager and vice-president of basketball operations.
Following a poor start to the 1996/97 NBA season, Popovich took over the head coaching role after firing Bob Hill.
He turned the Spurs into one of the NBA's most successful franchises, winning five titles between 1999 and 2014.
Boomers Patty Mills and Aron Baynes were on the Spurs' roster when they won the 2013/14 championship.
"Coach Pop's extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound," Spurs managing partner Peter J Holt said.
"His accolades and awards don't do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach."
Mitch Johnson, who filled in for Popovich after took a leave of absence following his stroke, will take over as Spurs head coach.
Reuters/ABC
