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    Gregg Popovich Rumors: Some With Spurs Expect HC to Return for At Least 1 More Season

    Rob Goldberg@@TheRobGoldbergFeatured Columnist IVApril 14, 2022

    NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 13: Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2022 play-in tournament on April 13, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
    Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

    San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich could return for "at least one more season," according to NBA reporter Marc Stein. 

    Stein reported that "some in Spurs circles" expect Popovich to stay for the 2022-23 season "because he still loves this job and needs to be in the gym."

    The Spurs finished 34-48 this season, good for 10th in the Western Conference. They were eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament on Wednesday.

    It was the third straight year without a playoff berth for the Spurs, which had made the postseason in each of the previous 22 years.

    Popovich, 73, has little else to prove as a coach.

    He set the record for most wins in NBA history this season, passing Don Nelson (1,335 wins) and ending the year with 1,344 victories. He also has five NBA titles, tied for third behind only Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach. Jackson and Pat Riley are the only coaches with more playoff wins than Popovich's 170.

    In February, he was named one of the top 15 coaches in league history.

    Gregg Popovich Rumors: Some With Spurs Expect HC to Return for At Least 1 More Season
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    Despite the accolades, Popovich could choose to return for a 27th season as the Spurs head coach as he tries to continue developing a young roster.

    Dejounte Murray is coming off a breakout season where he earned his first All-Star selection, while Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jakob Poeltl are all under contract and could be key parts of the future.

    Another season with Popovich could allow the Spurs to further improve and get back into the playoffs.