San Antonio Spurs Preparing For Gregg Popovich to Retire Within Next Two Years

Heading into his 26th season as head coach of the Spurs, reports are circulating that Popovich's retirement is imminent. According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, San Antonio is preparing for the 72-year-old's retirement within the next one to two years. The report also claims that the organization has begun an "extensive" search for Popovich's successor, including both internal and external candidates.

League sources say the #Spurs are preparing for Gregg Popovich’s retirement within the next 1-2 years. As he begins his 26th HC season, I’m told the organization has initiated an extensive search - both in-house and externally - into finding Pop’s replacement.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 16, 2021

While many speculated that Popovich would call it a career after leading Team USA to gold at the Tokyo Olympics, the future Hall-of-Famer appears to be excited about the upcoming season. When asked about coaching a group of young, talented players — as opposed to the seasoned veterans he's been with in the past  — Popovich said it's "exciting as hell."

I have no idea who I’m going to give it to or what play we’re going to run, Popovich explained to The Associated Press. That’s something we’re going to figure out as we move along, and to me, that’s exciting as hell.

Popovich is one of two coaches in NBA history to be at the helm of a team in their 70s and is the oldest head coach in league history, as well. He's been the coach of the Spurs since 1996 and led them to their first of five championships in 1999. Popovich is also 26 wins away from becoming the winningest head coach in NBA history.

Candidates rumoured to be in the running for the coveted job include former player Manu Ginobili, Spurs assistant Becky Hammon and former assistants Brett Brown and Jacque Vaughn. 

Photo Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports