Gregg Popovich reportedly won’t return to the San Antonio Spurs this season.

FEATURED IMAGE: San Antonio Spurs HC Gregg Popovich - Per Sources

The legendary head coach stepped away from the Spurs after suffering a stroke in early November. Mitch Johnson has replaced the NBA’s all-time wins leader as San Antonio’s interim head coach.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Popovich addressed the team on Thursday for the first time since his stroke. The 76-year-old told them he won’t return to the bench this season.

Over the weekend, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Popovich wasn’t expected back this season. Furthermore, he described Popovich’s coaching future as “uncertain.”

Last month, Spurs president RC Buford said Popovich “continues to get better.” However, he did not provide a timeline for a return.

The team’s current state may have made it easier to halt any potential comeback. At 24-33, the Spurs are 13th in the Western Conference standings and 5.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings for the final play-in spot.

A closeup of San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 27: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

San Antonio will also play the rest of the 2024-25 season without Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have lost four of their last five games since shutting down the 21-year-old superstar because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Popovich’s health should be the top priority regardless, but it now seems especially unnecessary to rush back for the final 25 games.

“As we work together on my recovery, I want to take a moment to share that the outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way,” Popovich said in a statement shared by the Spurs in December

“While I wish I could get back to each one of you, for now, let me say that my family and I are forever grateful. We’re thankful for our wonderful community, the entire Spurs organization, and our family and friends.”

Since becoming San Antonio’s head coach in 1997, Popovich has notched a record 1,412 regular-season wins. He’s one playoff victory from matching Pat Riley for second all-time behind Phil Jackson.

The Spurs have won six conference titles and five NBA championships behind Popovich, who guided the franchise to 22 consecutive playoff appearances.