The Coach Who Gave a Damn

What NBA Coach Gregg Popovich Really Built—And What All Of Us Can Learn From It

The winningest coach in NBA history just announced his retirement.

1,589 wins in the regular season and playoffs. 29 years as head coach. 5 titles.

But the career of Gregg Popovich is about more than the numbers. He’s the ultimate example of marrying fierce intensity, joy, and being a badass that we all need—a representation of commitment craft, greatness, and excellence.

Popovich spent three decades on the sidelines for the San Antonio Spurs. He coached hundreds of young men, shaping them as basketball players and people. He is a master of molding leaders, with an extensive coaching tree to show for it.

Pop is known for his commanding presence, intimidating demeanor, and intense love of the game. Some people think of him and imagine a stern man who doesn’t put up with nonsense. But when I think about Pop, I think about love.

His love for the game. His love for people. His love for greatness.

One of my favorite details about Pop’s tenure is the team dinners he conducts with staff and players. Following big wins, tough losses, and other significant milestones, Popovich would organize team dinners that became known throughout the league.

The menus are pre-screened, seating assignments meticulously crafted, and restaurant staff warned to prepare for a lengthy feast. It allows for an intimacy and togetherness that impacts people beyond the locker room, where they can connect not as athletes but as humans.

Despite a grueling 82-game season that is hallmarked by flights, endless hotel rooms and countless film sessions, he never lost sight of the importance of seeing the people in front of him, of keeping his team and the staff he was responsible for grounded and committed to each other.

Pop can be a polarizing and complex figure. He was a member of the Air Force who feels fierce loyalty to the military, but doesn’t shy away from asking more of his country. He has high expectations for people, and is known for not giving fluffy media-trained answers to reporters. His low tolerance for bright lights and bullshit can rub people the wrong way.

But he lives his values as a leader and doesn’t waiver from them, on or off the court.

He isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. To tell the people he loves that he loves them. To acknowledge that sports should be treated reverently, but also with perspective.

Not everyone can care deeply about what they do and for an extended period of time. Through championship seasons, coaching 22 hall-of-famers, losing his wife of 42 years in the midst of the NBA playoffs, and 60+ loss seasons, he showed up through the full spectrum of on and off-court challenges.

He was so committed, so consistent. He wanted to win (and win the right way), but never lost sight of the people he was responsible for.

One of the highlights of my career was when former Spurs player and VP of basketball operations Brent Barry shared a photo of my book at the Spurs practice facility, championship banners draped behind.

Having work I’ve done make it into the hands of people and organizations I admire such as the Spurs will never get old. Knowing it’s in the team library is remarkable.

This probably isn’t how Coach Popovich imagined his career would end—stepping away not entirely by choice, but because of health and circumstances beyond his control. But his impact is undeniable. His legacy is secure. One of the great figures in sport. One of the most principled people to ever lead a team.

He brought heart to the game. He showed what it means to lead with both excellence and love. The game is better for having had him in it. And we’re better for having witnessed how he showed up every day with integrity, care, and purpose.

Popovich is an inspiration and role model. Hopefully we can remember and carry his lessons with us in our personal pursuits of excellence.