Gregg Popovich, the legendary former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has stepped into a new chapter of his life, marrying Mary Barth Budenholzer, the ex-wife of his longtime assistant and current NBA head coach Mike Budenholzer. The wedding, confirmed by a marriage license filed in Bexar County, Texas, took place on September 16, 2026, according to multiple reports from TMZ and corroborated by outlets like Eurohoops and The New York Post.
For many basketball fans, Popovich’s name is synonymous with the Spurs’ dynasty—five NBA championships, a record-shattering 1,390 career coaching wins, and a legacy of mentorship that has shaped the league. Off the court, though, Popovich’s life has recently taken a more personal, and perhaps unexpected, turn.
Mary Barth Budenholzer, Popovich’s new wife, is no stranger to the Spurs’ storied history. She was previously married to Mike Budenholzer, Popovich’s right-hand man for nearly two decades. Mike served as assistant coach under Popovich from 1996 to 2013, helping guide the Spurs to four NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. The two coaches formed one of the most successful partnerships in NBA history, with Budenholzer’s tactical acumen earning him two NBA Coach of the Year awards later in his career, as well as a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
Mary and Mike Budenholzer divorced in 2016, ending their marriage quietly. The couple shares four children: sons William Vincent and John Brent, and daughters Savoia Elizabeth and Hanna Louise, according to TMZ. After their split, Mike Budenholzer’s coaching journey took him from the Atlanta Hawks to the Bucks, and most recently to the Phoenix Suns, where he took over as head coach in 2024. During his introductory press conference with the Suns in May 2024, Mike publicly thanked his new partner, Lisa, signaling that he, too, had moved on in his personal life.
Popovich, affectionately known as “Pop” by players and fans alike, has himself faced significant personal loss. His first wife, Erin Popovich, passed away in 2018 after a prolonged illness. The couple had been married for 41 years and raised two children, Jill and Mickey. Erin’s death was a profound moment for Popovich, who was known to be deeply devoted to his family throughout his coaching career.
The timeline of Popovich’s relationship with Mary Barth Budenholzer remains private, but the couple was seen attending Spurs games together during the 2025-2026 NBA season. Their appearances sparked quiet speculation among Spurs faithful, but no official comment came from the organization. As TMZ put it, “The Spurs had no comment on Pop’s latest ring, but everybody moves on. Congrats, all around!”
Popovich’s professional transition has been just as significant as his personal one. After 29 seasons at the Spurs’ helm, he retired from coaching in 2025 due to health concerns following a mild stroke before a game against the Timberwolves in November 2024. The NBA later adjusted his career record, removing the 77 games he missed during his final season, and credited the Spurs’ 32-45 record that year to interim coach Mitch Johnson, who eventually took over the role full-time. Popovich’s final coaching record stands at 1,390 wins and 824 losses, cementing his place as the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching victories.
Despite stepping away from the bench, Popovich remains deeply involved with the Spurs as the team’s president of basketball operations. His influence continues to shape the franchise he helped build into a perennial contender. According to Eurohoops, Popovich has “focused entirely on his job as team president” since retiring, guiding the next generation of Spurs talent and maintaining the culture of excellence he established over nearly three decades.
The intertwined histories of Popovich and the Budenholzers go far beyond the basketball court. Mike Budenholzer began his NBA career as a video coordinator with the Spurs in 1994, rising to assistant coach two years later. His 17 seasons alongside Popovich saw the franchise transformed into a powerhouse, and their mutual respect has been well-documented. After leaving San Antonio in 2013, Budenholzer quickly made a name for himself as a head coach, earning leaguewide recognition for his leadership and strategic brilliance. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2015 with the Hawks and again in 2019 with the Bucks, ultimately leading Milwaukee to a championship in 2021.
While the narrative of Popovich marrying his former assistant’s ex-wife has fueled plenty of chatter—some lighthearted, some more pointed—those closest to the situation appear to have accepted the new reality. As TMZ reported, “everyone involved has moved on, with Budenholzer in a new relationship and Popovich finding a fresh start at home.” There’s no indication of public acrimony, and both men have continued on their professional and personal paths.
For Popovich, this new marriage is a testament to resilience and the ability to find joy after loss. The NBA community, while initially surprised by the news, has largely responded with well wishes for the couple. After all, Popovich’s legacy has always been about more than just basketball—his commitment to his players, his staff, and his family has defined his career just as much as his championship rings.
Mike Budenholzer, meanwhile, continues to write his own coaching story. After a challenging first season with the Suns, finishing with a 36-46 record, he took a break from coaching during the 2025-26 season. With a career record of 520-363 and two Coach of the Year awards, his place among the league’s elite coaches is secure.
As for Mary Barth Budenholzer, she has long been part of the Spurs’ extended family, supporting both her former and current husbands through their basketball journeys. Her marriage to Popovich marks a new beginning for both, a blending of shared histories and fresh starts.
In a world where professional and personal lives often intersect in unexpected ways, the story of Gregg Popovich and Mary Barth Budenholzer stands out for its complexity—and its humanity. The Spurs organization, ever discreet, has chosen not to comment on the marriage, allowing those involved to move forward on their own terms.
While Popovich’s days of patrolling the sidelines may be over, his influence on the game—and now, his new family—remains as strong as ever. Life, like basketball, is full of second chances and surprising turns. For Popovich and Mary, the next chapter has just begun.