Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is the oldest head coach in the NBA, but there was little doubt he would return for a 29th season with San Antonio’s future so bright.

While last season didn’t include many wins, the development of phenom Victor Wembanyama gave Popovich a reason to stay. Between Wembanyama, a supporting cast that includes promising rookie Stephon Castle and the much-needed veteran leadership of Chris Paul, the Spurs’ 2024-25 season was supposed to be one of progress under Popovich.

San Antonio has shown great growth from last season — but the team has dealt with more serious off-the-court matters as Popovich remains away from the team after suffering a health issue. Interim coach Mitch Johnson has navigated the tough task of making sure the Spurs’ on-court development continues until Popovich is ready to return.

Here’s what you need to know about Popovich’s timeline to get back on the sideline.

How long is Gregg Popovich out?

There is no timeline for Popovich’s return after he suffered a mild stroke on Saturday, Nov. 2. In an official announcement, the Spurs shared that Popovich “has already started a rehabilitation program” and “is expected to make a full recovery.”

Johnson indicated on Monday, Nov. 4, that Popovich is expected to recover and also is expected to return at some point.

“He’ll be okay, and we can’t wait to have him back,” Johnson told reporters, adding that he spoke to Popovich.

Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama was asked for an update about Pop after a 118-105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 6. He said the following:

Both Johnson and Wembanyama expressing optimism for Popovich’s return indicates he should be back on the floor before the end of the season.

At his age, though, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Popovich take his time getting back up to speed. It’s still early in the season, and Popovich has always had a significant amount of trust in his coaching staff. In order to be available for the bulk of the season, it might make more sense now for Popovich to be as cautious as possible.

Popovich is expected to make a full recovery. Spurs general manager Brian Wright discussed his head coach’s absence on Wednesday, Nov. 13, ahead of his team’s game against the Washington Wizards.

“When we walk into the building each and every day, we feel [Popovich’s] leadership, we feel that presence. And so not having him, there’s clearly a void. And we miss him. I don’t know that there’s another person that means so much to another organization, sports or non-sports. And he’s more than a coach.”

Wizards coach Brian Keefe, who worked for Pop from 2005-07 as a video coordinator, added his own comments ahead of Wednesday’s game.

“People don’t realize how much of a sense of humor he has. “This is a guy who’s a really caring human being and he would look out for all of us. I was just a young guy in the video room, and he would look out for me.”

Popovich released a statement through the organization on Monday, Dec. 16.

While he provided no timeline to return, Popovich did provide his signature humor in saying “No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”

Spurs CEO R.C. Buford was limited in what he could say but gave an update on Popovich on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

“All I can share is he’s attacking his rehab in a way that … you know Pop, you’ve observed him for years,” Buford said.

“The same resilience that he’s shown over the course of our career as a coach, he’s approaching his return in his rehab in an incredibly unique way. The relationships that he had with our former players and the care that they’re sharing with him is amazing. And his improvement continues.”

He remains away from the team nearly six months after the episode. The latest update from ESPN’s Shams Charania is that Popovich will not return to coaching this season and his future coaching basketball remains in question as he recovers from the stroke.

Who is the Spurs’ interim coach?
The Spurs chose assistant Mitch Johnson to be their interim head coach while Popovich is out.

The 39-year-old Johnson is a much younger voice, but he’s worked under Popovich as an assistant since 2019 after a three-year stint with the Spurs’ G League affiliate. A former player at Stanford, Johnson has briefly filled in for Popovich on two occasions before this more lengthy absence.

What happened to Gregg Popovich?
Popovich suffered a mild stroke ahead of San Antonio’s game on Saturday, Nov. 2. The franchise disclosed the details of his health issue on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

How old is Gregg Popovich?
Popovich is 75 years old, making him not just the oldest head coach in the NBA but the oldest head coach among the four major American professional men’s sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) ahead of 72-year-old MLB manager Ron Washington.

Despite his age, retirement speculation surrounding Popovich has been fairly light in recent years. Popovich chose to oversee a complete rebuild in San Antonio at the start of the decade, and he stayed on to coach Wembanyama once the franchise drafted the phenom in 2023.

Retirement is only a matter of time at Popovich’s age, but the Spurs are hoping the legendary coach can get back on the sideline to continue leading the development of the team’s young core.