In a concerning turn of events, Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, experienced a medical incident at a restaurant on Tuesday night, April 15, 2025. According to reports from TMZ, Popovich, 76, fainted while dining at a steakhouse in San Antonio and was promptly taken to the hospital via ambulance. Witnesses reported that emergency personnel were called after someone noticed an elderly patron had fainted during dinner.
Fortunately, reports indicate that Popovich is now home, stable, and doing fine. ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed that the Hall of Fame coach is recovering well after the incident, which followed a challenging season for the Spurs. The team has been grappling with various medical issues, including Popovich's own health concerns, which have significantly impacted their performance this year.
Popovich's health struggles began last November when he suffered a mild stroke during practice at the Frost Bank Center. This incident forced him to step back from coaching duties, and assistant coach Mitch Johnson took over as the acting head coach for the remainder of the season. Johnson has led the Spurs through a tumultuous year, finishing with a disappointing 34-48 record.
Despite the setbacks, Popovich has remained in touch with his team, often communicating with Johnson and even addressing the players on at least one occasion in February. During that interaction, he expressed his hope to return to coaching in the future. "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," Popovich humorously remarked about his recovery.
As one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Popovich's legacy is undeniable. He has led the Spurs to five NBA championships and is the all-time winningest coach in league history with 1,422 victories. His impressive career also includes three NBA Coach of the Year awards and a gold medal as the head coach of the USA Basketball team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Popovich's contract with the Spurs extends through the 2027-28 season, but there is currently no official word on whether he will return to the sidelines for the upcoming season. The Spurs have been tight-lipped about his future plans, focusing instead on the present and the health of their iconic coach.
Fans and players alike have rallied around Popovich during this difficult time. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with the phrase "Prayers for Pop" trending among Spurs supporters and the broader NBA community. The outpouring of love and concern reflects not only Popovich's status as a coaching legend but also the deep respect he has earned throughout his decades-long career.
As the Spurs look to regroup after a challenging season, the organization is hopeful for Popovich's full recovery. The team faced significant challenges this year, including injuries to key players like All-Star Victor Wembanyama, who was sidelined for the final weeks of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Another player, De'Aaron Fox, underwent surgery on his left pinkie finger, further complicating the Spurs' efforts to find success on the court.
While the immediate focus remains on Popovich's health and well-being, the franchise is also considering its future direction. With Popovich's extensive experience and leadership, the Spurs are optimistic that he can guide them back to contention once he is fully healthy.
As the NBA community watches closely, all eyes will be on Popovich as he continues his recovery journey. The hope is that he will soon return to the sidelines, leading the Spurs with the same passion and commitment that have defined his career. For now, the focus is on his health and ensuring that he is ready for whatever comes next.
In the meantime, fans can look back on Popovich's remarkable legacy, which includes not just his coaching accolades but also his contributions to the game and the profound impact he has had on players and coaches alike. As the Spurs navigate this challenging period, the spirit of Gregg Popovich remains a guiding force, inspiring hope and resilience within the organization and its supporters.
As the situation develops, updates regarding Popovich's health and potential return to coaching will be closely monitored. Until then, the Spurs organization and its fans continue to send their best wishes to their beloved coach, reflecting the unity and strength of the basketball community during this uncertain time.
