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. Joining the Spurs in 1994 and becoming coach in 1996, he holds the record for the most wins by any coach in NBA history. He is considered one of the greatest coaches in the league, known for his leadership and success with the Spurs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Won first NBA title

In 1999, Popovich and the Spurs won their first NBA title.

2003: Won NBA Coach of the Year and another NBA Championship

In 2003, Popovich was named NBA Coach of the Year and won another NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

2004: Assisted at the Olympics, winning bronze

In 2004, Popovich assisted during the Athens Olympic Games where the U.S. team won the bronze medal.

2005: Won NBA Championship

In 2005, Popovich won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

2007: Won NBA Championship

In 2007, Popovich won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs.

April 4, 2008: Received Distinguished Graduate Award

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

2011: Coach of the Year Award consideration

Popovich won his second Coach of the Year Award on May 2, 2012 for the 2011-12 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.

April 22, 2014: Awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy

On April 22, 2014, 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 that season.

2014: Won NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Championship

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

February 9, 2015: Won 1,000th game

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

2015: Led Spurs to franchise-high wins

In the 2015-16 season, Popovich led the Spurs to a franchise-high 67 wins.

February 4, 2017: Surpassed Sloan for regular season wins with one franchise

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

April 13, 2019: Became all-time winningest coach

On April 13, 2019, 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 Olympic team

In 2020, Popovich was the head coach of the U.S. national team at the Summer Olympics, leading the team to a gold medal.

2020: Led U.S. men's national team to gold medal

With Popovich serving as the head coach for the U.S. men's national team, he led the team to a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, defeating France 87–82 in the final.

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 the milestone.

March 11, 2022: Surpassed Don Nelson for most regular season wins

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