Gregg Popovich's Career Record Changed by NBA After Absence During 2024-25 Season

The NBA has changed Gregg Popovich's career record, crediting the wins and losses from the 77 games he missed last season to Mitch Johnson instead, according to the Associated Press.

Popovich's record has been reset to 1,390-824. The legendary head coach suffered a stroke last season and didn't coach from November on, with Johnson serving in his stead. Popovich retired from coaching in May.

"While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement at the time of his retirement. "I'm forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community and city that are so meaningful to me."

Johnson was promptly promoted from his interim status to the full-time head coach. The Spurs went 32-45 on his watch, though superstar Victor Wembanyama didn't play after the All-Star break after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. Without him in the lineup, the team went 11-19.

That ultimately may have been a blessing in disguise, as the Spurs ended up landing the second overall pick in the NBA draft lottery and selected guard Dylan Harper. The team now has an impressive young core of Wemby, Harper, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell, alongside veterans in De'Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes.

The future is bright in San Antonio.

But the past was quite successful under Popovich's watch. The Spurs had a run of 22 straight playoff appearances during his tenure and won five titles, buoyed by players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Kawhi Leonard. Popovich is the NBA's all-time leader in regular-season coaching wins and was a three-time NBA Coach of the Year winner, tied for the most in league history with Pat Riley and Don Nelson.

Popovich remains San Antonio's team president. But the coaching reins have been officially handed over to Johnson.