Popovich: Titles aren't a priority, prefer Spurs 'make society better'

In a sea of monotony, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich stands out as a unique thinker in the coaching ranks.

Not only does Popovich coach his teams to 50-plus wins each season, he drills players to become conscious and caring global citizens who can make a positive impact beyond the hardwood.

Popovich even admitted during a conference at Sam Houston High School that winning the title is secondary.

"Win the championship? I don’t know, but it’s not a priority in my life," Popovich espoused, as detailed by Dave Zirin of The Nation. "I’d be much happier if I knew that my players were going to make society better, who had good families and who took care of the people around them. I’d get more satisfaction out of that than a title.

"I would love to win another championship, and we’ll work our butts off to try and do that. But we have to want more than success in our jobs. That’s why we’re here."

There would be blowback for any other coach if they were to proclaim that championships wasn't the end goal. But with five rings to fill a fist, Popovich has nothing left to prove on the hardwood but he can make a difference in players' lives.

There are so many things more important than sports, and while that's the industry Popovich works and excels in, his priorities are clear. That he operates in this way, while also being transparent about it, is both refreshing and admirable.

"We’re here so you’ll understand that you can overcome obstacles by being prepared and if you educate the hell out of yourself. If you become respectful, disciplined people in this world, you can fight anything. If you join with each other and you believe in yourself and each other, that’s what matters. That’s what we want to relay to you all: that we believe that about you or we wouldn’t be here."