Gregg Popovich is an iconic American professional basketball coach with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Widely known as “Coach Pop,” he is one of the longest-serving, highest-paid, and most successful coaches in NBA history.
As the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs since 1996, Popovich has built a dynasty that transformed the franchise into one of the most respected organizations in professional sports.
Under his leadership, the Spurs captured five NBA championships, a feat achieved by only a small handful of elite coaches. Notably, San Antonio had never won an NBA title before Popovich took over.
Today, he stands as the winningest coach in NBA history and holds the record for the longest tenure as a head coach across all major U.S. professional sports leagues.
Gregg Popovich’s Salary And Contract History
From 2018 through the 2022–23 NBA season, Gregg Popovich earned approximately $8 million per year as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
In July 2023, Popovich signed a historic five-year, $80 million contract, effectively doubling his annual salary to $16 million per year. This deal made him the highest-paid coach in NBA history.
Although Detroit Pistons coach Monty Williams briefly claimed the top spot after signing a six-year, $78.5 million contract in June 2023, Popovich reclaimed the title just one month later with his new agreement.
Early Life And Education
Gregg Charles Popovich was born on January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, to a Croatian mother and a Serbian father. He was introduced to basketball at an early age and quickly displayed leadership qualities on the court.
In 1960, Popovich played on the Biddy Basketball All-Star team, which finished third at the World Tournament.
After high school, he enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy, where he captained the basketball team and became its leading scorer.
Popovich graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Soviet Studies and later completed Air Force intelligence training. At one point, he was even considered a candidate for the CIA.
He served five years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, during which he toured Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union with the Armed Forces Basketball team. His performances earned him an invitation to the 1972 U.S. Olympic basketball trials.
Early Coaching Career
Popovich began his coaching career in 1973 as an assistant coach with the Armed Forces Basketball team while pursuing a master’s degree in physical education at the University of Denver.
In 1979, he transitioned to college basketball as the head coach at Pomona-Pitzer College, where he spent nine years developing his coaching philosophy and led the program to its first-ever championship. During this period, he also took a sabbatical to study under legendary coach Larry Brown at the University of Kansas.
Rise With The San Antonio Spurs
In 1988, Gregg Popovich joined the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach under Larry Brown. After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors following a staff shakeup, Popovich returned to San Antonio in 1994—this time as General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations.
He reshaped the roster by moving on from Dennis Rodman and bringing in key players such as Avery Johnson. In 1996, Popovich made a bold move by firing head coach Bob Hill and appointing himself head coach.
After a difficult first season, the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan, setting the stage for one of the most successful eras in NBA history. Popovich went on to win five NBA championships and multiple NBA Coach of the Year awards, establishing a culture of discipline, teamwork, and consistency.
Personal Life And Family
Gregg Popovich has been married to his wife, Erin Popovich, for several decades. In 2018, he announced her passing, though the cause of death was not publicly disclosed. The couple had two children together.
Despite his public profile, Popovich has consistently kept his family life private.
Activism And Philanthropy
Popovich is widely respected for his outspoken views on social and political issues. He has supported movements such as the Women’s March and has been an advocate for civil rights and social justice.
His charitable contributions include significant support for organizations such as:
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San Antonio Food Bank
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The Innocence Project
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Shoes That Fit
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J/P HRO, a disaster relief organization aiding communities affected by hurricanes in the Caribbean and Haiti
Popovich has also been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, frequently using his platform to address political and humanitarian issues.
Gregg Popovich’s Real Estate Portfolio
Gregg Popovich has invested extensively in real estate over the years.
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San Francisco Condo (2002): Purchased for $1.475 million, the 1,950-square-foot Presidio Heights property features large windows, a fireplace, and panoramic city views. It was listed for $2.675 million in 2020.
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San Antonio Estate (2005): Located in the gated Vineyard Estates community, the custom-built home spans 9,640 square feet on 2.2 acres. Highlights include a vanishing-edge pool and a 600-square-foot wine cellar capable of storing over 3,000 bottles. Initially listed at $4.5 million, the price was later reduced to $3.5 million.
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Vermont Land Investment (2007): Popovich reportedly purchased 47 acres of raw land near Pownal, Vermont, for $795,000. The property included minimal development, aside from a single barn.
Gregg Popovich’s Legacy
Gregg Popovich’s impact extends far beyond championships and contracts. He is widely regarded as:
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One of the greatest coaches in sports history
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A pioneer of modern team-centric basketball
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A mentor to countless players and coaches
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A respected voice on social and humanitarian issues
His influence on the NBA and professional sports culture remains unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many championships has Gregg Popovich won?
He has won five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs.