Gregg Popovich, the legendary NBA coach known as “Coach Pop,” has amassed a net worth of $50 million as of 2025. At 76 years old, Popovich remains a towering figure in professional basketball, not just for his success on the court but for his financial savvy, humanitarian efforts, and longstanding leadership of the San Antonio Spurs.
NBA’s Winningest Coach and Highest-Paid Strategist
Popovich, born January 28, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, is currently the highest-paid coach in NBA history. In July 2023, he signed a 5-year, $80 million contract extension with the Spurs, raising his annual salary from $8 million to $16 million. This new deal not only cemented his place in the record books as the top-earning coach but also reestablished him as the most valued coaching figure in basketball after briefly being surpassed by Monty Williams.
Gregg had already held that top-paid spot from 2018 to 2023, during which he earned $8 million per season. His longevity, consistency, and unmatched basketball acumen made such a lucrative deal not only possible but necessary for the Spurs, especially given the franchise’s reliance on his leadership during both rebuilding and championship phases.
Early Life and Path to Coaching
Popovich was raised in a multicultural home by a Serbian father and Croatian mother. He was a standout basketball player from an early age, even making the Biddy Basketball All-Star team that placed third in a global tournament in 1960.
He attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he captained the basketball team and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Soviet Studies. After graduating, he served five years of active duty, during which he traveled across Eastern Europe as part of the U.S. Armed Forces Basketball team and later trained for intelligence work—at one point, he was considered for the CIA.
After his military service, Popovich pursued a master’s degree in physical education at the University of Denver, marking the transition from military officer to coaching icon.
Building a Coaching Legacy
Popovich’s official coaching career began in 1973 with the Armed Forces Basketball team, but his big break came in 1979 when he took over Pomona-Pitzer, a small liberal arts college in California. Over nine seasons, he turned the struggling program around, winning their first conference championship.
In 1988, he entered the NBA world as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, under his former mentor Larry Brown. Though the entire staff was dismissed in 1992, Popovich quickly found a role with the Golden State Warriors, serving as an assistant coach.
By 1994, Popovich returned to the Spurs in a front-office role as General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations. With full control over personnel decisions, he began reshaping the team. In 1996, he boldly fired then-head coach Bob Hill and appointed himself head coach—a decision that would define the next three decades of NBA basketball.
Championship Reign and Career Achievements
In just a few years under Popovich’s leadership, the Spurs captured their first NBA Championship in 1999, thanks in part to the addition of superstar Tim Duncan. This title would be the first of five NBA championships won under Popovich’s reign—in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
He holds the record for the most wins in NBA history, surpassing legends like Don Nelson and Lenny Wilkens. Popovich has been honored with three NBA Coach of the Year Awards, and his teams are known for their discipline, selflessness, and tactical excellence.
Beyond his NBA success, Popovich also coached Team USA at the Olympics and World Cup, continuing the legacy of American dominance in international basketball.
Family Life and Personal Tragedy
Gregg Popovich was married to Erin Popovich for four decades before her passing in 2018. The couple had two children together, and though Popovich has always been a very private man, her death was a deeply emotional moment that resonated across the basketball world. The cause of her death was never publicly disclosed, reflecting Popovich’s guarded approach to his personal life.
Despite his private nature, he’s known to have deep relationships with players, coaching staff, and members of the San Antonio community.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Popovich has made several strategic real estate investments. In 2002, he bought a luxury condo in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights for $1.475 million. With 1,950 square feet and panoramic views of the city, it was later listed in 2020 for $2.675 million.
In San Antonio, Popovich and his late wife bought a 9,640-square-foot mansion in 2005, situated in the exclusive Vineyard Estates. The property spans over 2.2 acres and includes a wine cellar that holds more than 3,000 bottles, a vanishing-edge pool, and lush landscaping. Initially listed for $4.5 million, the property was later re-listed for $3.5 million after challenges in finding a buyer.
In 2007, Popovich also purchased 47 acres of undeveloped land in Vermont for $795,000, although his plans for the property remain unknown.
Philanthropy and Activism
Popovich is widely respected for his outspoken social activism and philanthropy. A vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, he has stood in solidarity with movements such as Black Lives Matter, the Women’s March, and immigrant rights.
His charitable work includes donations and support for the San Antonio Food Bank, Innocence Project, and J/P HRO, an organization helping Haiti’s disaster-struck communities. Following natural disasters like Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, Popovich was hands-on in assisting with recovery efforts, including support for Shoes That Fit, which helped children replace lost footwear.
Final Thoughts
Gregg Popovich’s net worth of $50 million is not just the result of record-setting contracts and career longevity—it’s the product of purpose, values, and smart choices. From the Air Force Academy to NBA immortality, his journey is unmatched. And at 76, with five NBA championships and a reputation that transcends basketball, Popovich continues to be a symbol of leadership, integrity, and impact in American sports.
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