The National Basketball Association (NBA) has made a significant adjustment to the career coaching record of Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. The revision involves removing 77 games from Popovich’s all-time win total, which were missed during the 2023-2024 season. These games, which were coached by assistant Mitch Johnson, have been credited to Johnson instead, ensuring the accuracy of Popovich’s record. This update underscores the NBA’s commitment to maintaining precise and fair records of coaching accomplishments.
The decision to adjust Popovich’s record came after a review of the league’s record-keeping protocols, with officials acknowledging that the temporary coaching assignments during Popovich’s absence should be accounted for in the official records. Mitch Johnson, who took over as interim head coach for the Spurs during Popovich’s leave, has now been credited with the results of those games, which include both wins and losses. This change maintains the integrity of the league’s historical data and ensures that all coaches are recognized for their actual contributions.
Popovich, who has long been a dominant force in the NBA with the Spurs, has guided the team to multiple championships and remains one of the most successful coaches in league history. Despite the adjustment, his overall record remains among the top in the NBA, and the league has emphasized that this change does not affect his legacy. The NBA’s official statement highlighted the importance of accurate record-keeping in the sport, stating that all coaching achievements should be documented without exceptions. This move reflects a broader effort within the league to refine and improve its data management practices.