Gregg Popovich's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gregg Popovich. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Gregg Popovich, also known as "Coach Pop", is a highly respected American basketball executive and former head coach. He served as the San Antonio Spurs' head coach for 29 seasons (1996-2025), securing five NBA championships. Before becoming coach, he was the Spurs' president of basketball operations and general manager starting in 1994. Popovich holds the record for the most wins by any coach in NBA history. He is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time because of his success and long tenure.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: First NBA Title

In 1999, Gregg Popovich led the Spurs to their first NBA title.

1999: NBA Championship

In 1999, Popovich won a championship with the Spurs.

2003: NBA Championship and Coach of the Year

In 2003, Popovich won an NBA championship with the Spurs and was also named NBA Coach of the Year.

2004: Coaching Staff for US Men's National Team

In 2004, Gregg Popovich served on the coaching staff for the U.S. men's national team during the Athens Olympic Games, where they won the bronze medal.

2005: NBA Championship

In 2005, Popovich won a championship with the Spurs.

2007: NBA Championship

In 2007, Popovich won a championship with the Spurs.

April 4, 2008: Received Distinguished Graduate Award

On April 4, 2008, Gregg Popovich received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

2011: Second Coach of the Year Award

On May 2, 2012, Gregg Popovich won his second NBA Coach of the Year Award for the 2011–12 season.

May 2, 2012: Second Coach of the Year Award

On May 2, 2012, Gregg Popovich won his second NBA Coach of the Year Award for the 2011–12 season.

2012: NBA Coach of the Year

In 2012, Popovich was named NBA Coach of the Year.

April 22, 2014: Won Red Auerbach Trophy

On April 22, 2014, Gregg Popovich was awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy as he won the NBA Coach of the Year for the third time. He also won his fifth NBA championship with San Antonio that season, beating the Heat 4–1 in the Finals.

2014: NBA Championship and Coach of the Year

In 2014, Popovich won an NBA championship with the Spurs and was also named NBA Coach of the Year.

February 9, 2015: 1000th Career Win

On February 9, 2015, Gregg Popovich became the ninth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games when the Spurs defeated the Indiana Pacers 95–93.

February 4, 2017: Surpassed Sloan

On February 4, 2017, Gregg Popovich recorded his 1,128th regular season win with one franchise, surpassing Sloan.

April 13, 2019: All-Time Winningest Coach

On April 13, 2019, Gregg Popovich surpassed Lenny Wilkens and became the all-time winningest coach in NBA history with his 1,413th win (regular season and playoffs combined).

2020: Coached US team at Olympics

In 2020, Gregg Popovich coached the U.S. national team at the Summer Olympics, leading them to a gold medal.

2020: Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2020, Gregg Popovich led the U.S. men's national team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, defeating France in the final.

2020: Gene Named After Popovich

In 2020, a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified the gene responsible for nectar spur growth in Aquilegia (columbines) and named the gene POPOVICH to honor Gregg Popovich.