Gregg Popovich won't rejoin San Antonio Spurs as coach this season

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich won't return to the sidelines for the San Antonio Spurs this season, but hopes to "return to coaching in the future," he announced Thursday.

Popovich, 76, had a stroke in November. He last coached Oct. 31, leaving the Spurs after a 2-3 start. Interim coach Mitch Johnson led the Spurs to a 22-30 record since Popovich's departure.

"I've decided not to return to the sidelines this season," Popovich said. "Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding.

"I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future."

Popovich, the oldest and winningest coach in NBA history, signed a five-year contract extension with the Spurs in 2023. His five championships are tied with Pat Riley and John Kundla for the third-most in NBA history, trailing only Phil Jackson (11) and Red Auerbach (nine).

The Spurs (24-33), who recently lost star center Victor Wembanyama to a season-ending blood clot, are the No. 13 team in the Western Conference.

The team hopes to snap a four-game losing streak when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies (38-20) at 8 p.m. EST Saturday in Memphis.