Gregg Popovich is arguably the NBA‘s coaching “GOAT”. In nearly three decades leading the San Antonio Spurs, Popovich has set the record for career wins from a head coach while leading the Spurs to five NBA championships, establishing a legacy of stability on the court and activism off it.

But times have been tougher in San Antonio across the past few seasons. The Spurs are coming off consecutive 60-loss seasons and have not made the playoffs since 2019. Optimism remains high over the franchise’s future thanks to the presence of second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama, yet that future might not contain the 75-year-old Popovich.

Popovich dealing with unspecified “medical issue”

ESPN‘s Shams Charania reported Monday that Popovich suffered a health issue prior to Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a result, “Pop” will not be on the bench for some time, with assistant Mitch Johnson poised to take over beginning Monday night.

Popovich, who is 12 wins away from 1,400 regular-season victories, has been the Spurs’ head coach since 1996. He has coached some of the NBA’s greatest players, including Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and David Robinson, and the Spurs had a winning record in each of Pop’s first 22 full seasons on the bench.

In addition, Popovich has been lauded for his ability to develop young players like Wembanyama, who was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year last season. After adding veteran point guard Chris Paul this offseason, the Spurs have started the new year with a 3-3 record, leaving fans hopeful that San Antonio can end its playoff drought.

It is unknown when — or if — Popovich will return to the sideline. He is under contract with the Spurs until 2028, shortly before he turns 80. Only time will tell if Popovich’s medical issues clear up and allow him to keep doing what he loves the most.