Gregg Popovich has outlasted over 100 coaches throughout Spurs tenure
During Wednesday's broadcast of the San Antonio Spurs-Houston Rockets game, ESPN provided viewers with a series of fascinating - not to mention unbelievable - factoids that highlighted the unparalleled staying power of Spurs bench boss Gregg Popovich.
Since Gregg Popovich became head coach of the Spurs, there have been 152 total NBA head coaches.
https://t.co/sKTvMcymNr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 28, 2016
As indicated by ESPN's graphic, 152 different head coaches have been employed by teams not named the Spurs since Popovich was named the franchise's head coach in 1996. Since the 66-year-old started patrolling the sidelines two decades ago, there have been 221 coaching changes around the Association.
Currently ranked eighth all-time in wins by a head coach, he entered Wednesday's contest with 1,060 victories to his name. Just 38 wins behind Larry Brown heading into Wednesday's contest, Popovich is on pace to surpass Phil Jackson (1,155 wins) at some point in the 2016-17 season.
ESPN just showed a graphic that Gregg Popovich has more wins than six active NBA franchises. Just thought I'd put that out there.
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) January 28, 2016
The Indiana native was recently rewarded for his typically stellar coaching exploits with a trip to All-Star Weekend in Toronto next month, where he'll be facing newly-minted Cleveland Cavaliers conductor Tyronn Lue.
Tyronn Lue was a sophomore at Nebraska when Gregg Popovich began his Spurs head coaching career (1996) pic.twitter.com/Ywu6FpEVPA
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) January 28, 2016
It will be interesting to revisit the number of individuals who have hopped on and been thrown off the ever-revolving coaching carousel during Popovich's career once his current five-year contract expires. Until then, basketball fans everywhere will continue to be treated to Pop almost cracking a smile on the Spurs bench.