Popovich suffered a mild stroke in November 2024 and was hospitalized again in April 2025

A Rare Public Appearance

Gregg Popovich made a rare public appearance at an Austin Spurs’ G League game in Texas on Friday, Jan. 23. The legendary basketball coach, known for his long tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, had previously been hospitalized after suffering a “mild stroke” in November 2024. Five months later, he was once again hospitalized, this time in April 2025.

The San Antonio Spurs announced in May 2025 that Popovich would transition into a new role as the team’s president of basketball operations. This move marked a significant shift in his career, as he stepped away from his position as head coach.

A Standing Ovation

During his rare public appearance at the G League game, Popovich received a standing ovation from fans. At 76 years old, he visited the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas, to support the Austin Spurs as they faced off against the Capital City Go-Go. A video of the event was shared on social media, capturing the moment the Hall of Fame coach walked across the court with his cane in hand.

Fans stood up to cheer and applaud him, showing their appreciation for his long-standing contributions to the sport. This appearance came almost a year after he was hospitalized following a reported fainting incident at a restaurant.

Hospitalization in April 2025

On April 15, 2025, Popovich was rushed to the hospital after officials received a call about a person who had “fainted” during dinner. TMZ Sports reported that footage from the day showed the football legend being placed in the back of an ambulance outside of a steakhouse in San Antonio.

Officials told the outlet that the patient was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries or illness. This incident added to the growing concern about his health, especially after his previous hospitalization in November 2024.

New Role with the Spurs

Just a few weeks after his April 2025 hospitalization, the San Antonio Spurs announced on social media that Popovich would be transitioning from the bench to a new role as the team’s president of basketball operations. In a statement released on May 2, he said:

“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach. 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.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Popovich, who won five NBA titles with the Spurs, was last seen in public at a press conference in May, where he introduced Mitch Johnson as the team’s new head coach. His legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time winningest coaches remains intact, even as he shifts his focus to a new role within the organization.

Months before the change in role, the San Antonio Spurs revealed that Popovich had suffered a “mild stroke” in November 2024. The team shared the news on social media, stating:

“Popovich, who has already started a rehabilitation program, is expected to make a full recovery.”

In the following month, Popovich took a moment to thank everyone for their “outpouring of support” throughout his recovery. He wrote on X on Dec. 16, 2024:

“This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. 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.”