Gregg Popovich, widely known as “Coach Pop,” stands among the most accomplished and highest-paid coaches in NBA history. As of 2025, the 76-year-old basketball legend has an estimated net worth of $50 million, thanks to nearly three decades of excellence with the San Antonio Spurs, strategic contract negotiations, and smart investments.
Early Life and Military Roots
Born January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, Popovich grew up in a working-class household with Croatian and Serbian roots. Basketball came early for him; he made the Biddy Basketball All-Star team in 1960, a milestone that hinted at his future.
He later attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he captained the school’s basketball team and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Soviet Studies. During his five years of active duty, Popovich played on the Armed Forces basketball team, traveling across Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. His time in the military shaped both his discipline and leadership style—traits that would define his coaching career.
Coaching Career: From Military Courts to NBA Dominance
Popovich began coaching in 1973 as an assistant for the Armed Forces team, while pursuing a master’s in physical education at the University of Denver. In 1979, he transitioned to collegiate coaching at Pomona-Pitzer, where he eventually led the program to its first championship.
He took a one-year sabbatical in the mid-1980s to study under Larry Brown at the University of Kansas, gaining exposure to higher-level strategy. That mentorship later earned him an assistant coaching role with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988, where he stayed until 1992.
After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, Popovich returned to the Spurs in 1994, this time in a front-office role as General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations. In 1996, he appointed himself head coach, a bold move that marked the beginning of one of the NBA’s most successful tenures.
Championship Legacy and Career Achievements
Popovich led the Spurs to their first NBA title in 1999, just three seasons after signing Tim Duncan, a player who became the cornerstone of the team. Under Popovich’s guidance, the Spurs secured five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014). He holds the record for most wins by a head coach in NBA history, a feat that reflects both longevity and elite performance.
Beyond championships, Popovich has earned three NBA Coach of the Year awards and is regarded as a master of adapting his system to changing league dynamics. He is also recognized for mentoring future head coaches like Steve Kerr, Mike Budenholzer, and Ime Udoka.
Salary and Recent Contract
From 2018 through 2023, Popovich earned $8 million annually—a figure that already placed him among the top-paid coaches in the league. In July 2023, he signed a five-year, $80 million extension, boosting his annual salary to $16 million, making him the highest-paid coach in NBA history.
For context, Monty Williams briefly held that record with a $78.5 million deal in June 2023, but Popovich reclaimed the top spot just a month later.
Personal Life and Family
Popovich was married to his wife, Erin, until her passing in 2018. The couple shared two children, and while Popovich has always been private about his personal life, he has spoken candidly about the impact of Erin’s death, particularly how it reshaped his views on family and balance.
Off-Court Activism and Philanthropy
Known for his intellect and outspokenness, Popovich has used his platform to advocate for social justice, disaster relief, and criminal justice reform. He is a vocal supporter of The Innocence Project, which works to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals using DNA evidence.
Following hurricanes Irma and Maria, Popovich supported relief initiatives like Shoes That Fit and J/P HRO, helping displaced families in the Caribbean. He’s also been an open critic of former President Donald Trump, making national headlines with his pointed comments on political issues.
In San Antonio, Popovich remains a significant supporter of the San Antonio Food Bank and various local charities. His philanthropy is as consistent as his coaching philosophy: focused, compassionate, and impactful.
Real Estate and Investments
Popovich’s real estate portfolio reflects a mix of personal taste and investment acumen. In 2002, he bought a condo in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights for $1.475 million, later listing it in 2020 for $2.675 million.
He also owns a 9,640-square-foot home in San Antonio, purchased in 2005. Located in Vineyard Estates, the custom property includes a vanishing-edge pool, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, and expansive outdoor living areas. After initially listing the home for $4.5 million, Popovich dropped the price to $3.5 million after a year on the market.
In 2007, Popovich paid $795,000 for 47 acres of undeveloped land near Pownal, Vermont. The purchase has not been developed publicly, but reflects his interest in long-term land investments.
Enduring Legacy
Gregg Popovich’s influence stretches beyond the basketball court. His record-setting coaching career, sharp political voice, and charitable commitments paint the picture of a man who has used his success to drive positive change.
While his $50 million net worth places him among the wealthiest coaches in sports, it’s his consistent excellence, integrity, and mentorship that have solidified his place in NBA history. As he continues to coach into his seventies, Popovich shows no signs of slowing down—proving once again that leadership, when grounded in purpose, can transcend generations.