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, or "Coach Pop," is the long-tenured head coach and president of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He joined the Spurs organization in 1994 and became head coach in 1996. Popovich holds the NBA record for most coaching wins and is considered one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He is known for his leadership, strategic coaching, and player development, having led the Spurs to multiple NBA championships.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Spurs Recover to Win 56 Games

In 1997-1998, the Spurs recovered to win 56 games, marking Popovich's first full year as coach.

1998: Spurs Recover to Win 56 Games

In 1997-1998, the Spurs recovered to win 56 games, marking Popovich's first full year as coach.

1999: Spurs Win NBA Championship

In 1999, Gregg Popovich coached the San Antonio Spurs to another NBA Championship.

1999: Spurs Win First NBA Title

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

2003: Spurs Win NBA Championship

In 2003, Gregg Popovich coached the San Antonio Spurs to another NBA Championship.

2004: Assistant Coach for U.S. Olympic Team

In 2004, Gregg Popovich served on the coaching staff for the U.S. Olympic team (assisting Larry Brown) at the Athens Olympic Games, where the team won the bronze medal.

2005: Spurs Win NBA Championship

In 2005, Gregg Popovich led the San Antonio Spurs to another NBA Championship.

2007: Spurs Win NBA Championship

In 2007, Gregg Popovich coached the San Antonio Spurs to another NBA Championship.

April 4, 2008: Receives Distinguished Graduate Award

On April 4, 2008, Gregg Popovich returned to the U.S. Air Force Academy to receive the academy's award of Distinguished Graduate, an award he considered the most meaningful he had ever received.

2011: Wins Second Coach of the Year Award

In 2011, Gregg Popovich coached the Spurs to the Coach of the Year Award.

May 2, 2012: Wins Second Coach of the Year Award

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

2012: Named NBA Coach of the Year

In 2012, Gregg Popovich was named NBA Coach of the Year for the second time.

April 22, 2014: Wins Third NBA Coach of the Year Award

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.

2014: Spurs Win NBA Championship and Popovich Named Coach of the Year

In 2014, Gregg Popovich led the San Antonio Spurs to another NBA Championship and was named NBA Coach of the Year for the third time.

February 9, 2015: Wins 1,000th Game

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.

2015: Spurs Achieve Franchise-High 67 Wins

In the 2015–16 season, Gregg Popovich led the Spurs to a franchise-high 67 wins, but lost in the conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

February 4, 2017: Surpasses Sloan for Regular Season Wins with One Franchise

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

April 13, 2019: Becomes All-Time Winningest Coach in NBA History

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: Leads U.S. Men's National Team to Gold Medal

In 2020, Gregg Popovich led the U.S. men's national team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, defeating France 87–82 in the final.

March 27, 2021: Wins 1,300th Regular Season Game

On March 27, 2021, Gregg Popovich won his 1,300th regular season game, becoming the third NBA coach to reach the milestone after leading the Spurs to victory against the Chicago Bulls.

March 11, 2022: Surpasses Don Nelson for Most Regular Season Wins

On March 11, 2022, Gregg Popovich surpassed Don Nelson for most regular season wins of all time, notching his 1,336th regular season victory with the Spurs.