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, nicknamed "Coach Pop", is the president and head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He joined the Spurs organization in 1994 and became head coach in 1996. He holds the record for the most wins of any coach in NBA history. He's considered one of the greatest coaches in NBA history and is the longest-tenured active coach in the NBA and other major U.S. sports leagues.
1972: Named Captain of Armed Forces Team
In 1972, Popovich was selected as captain of the U.S. Armed Forces Team, which later won the AAU championship, leading to an invitation to the Olympic trials.
1999: Won First Championship
In 1999, Popovich and the Spurs secured their first NBA championship.
1999: Spurs Win First NBA Title
In 1999, Popovich led the San Antonio Spurs to their first NBA championship title.
2003: Won Second Championship
In 2003, Popovich and the Spurs won their second NBA championship. He was also named NBA Coach of the Year.
2005: Won Third Championship
In 2005, Popovich led the Spurs to their third NBA championship.
2007: Won Fourth Championship
In 2007, Popovich won his fourth NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs.
April 4, 2008: Awarded Distinguished Graduate
On April 4, 2008, Popovich received the Distinguished Graduate award from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an honor he considered highly meaningful.
2011: NBA Season
Popovich won the Coach of the Year Award for the 2011-2012 NBA season.
May 2, 2012: Won Second Coach of the Year Award
On May 2, 2012, Popovich won his second Coach of the Year Award for the 2011-12 NBA season.
2012: Named NBA Coach of the Year
In 2012, Popovich was named NBA Coach of the Year for the second time.
April 22, 2014: Won Third Coach of the Year Award
On April 22, 2014, Popovich was awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy as NBA Coach of the Year for the third time.
2014: Won Fifth NBA Championship
In 2014, Popovich and the Spurs won their fifth NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals.
2014: Won Fifth Championship and Coach of the Year
In 2014, Popovich won his fifth NBA championship and was named NBA Coach of the Year for the third time.
February 9, 2015: Won 1,000th Game
On February 9, 2015, Popovich became the ninth coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games, achieving this with the Spurs.
2015: Spurs Achieved Franchise-High Wins
In the 2015-16 NBA season, Popovich led the Spurs to a franchise-high 67 wins, though they lost in the conference semifinals.
February 4, 2017: Surpassed Jerry Sloan
On February 4, 2017, Popovich recorded his 1,128th regular season win with one franchise, surpassing Jerry Sloan.
April 13, 2019: All-Time Winningest Coach
On April 13, 2019, Popovich became the all-time winningest coach in NBA history with his 1,413th win (regular season and playoffs combined), surpassing Lenny Wilkens.
2020: Led Team to Gold Medal at Olympics
In 2020, Popovich coached the U.S. men's national team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
2020: Coached U.S. National Team to Gold
In 2020, Popovich coached the U.S. national team at the Summer Olympics, leading them to a gold medal.
March 27, 2021: Won 1,300th Regular Season Game
On March 27, 2021, Popovich won his 1,300th regular season game, becoming the third NBA coach to reach this milestone.
March 11, 2022: Most Regular Season Wins of All Time
On March 11, 2022, Popovich surpassed Don Nelson for the most regular season wins of all time, achieving his 1,336th victory with the Spurs.
2023: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2023, Popovich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
