Gregg Popovich leaves Spurs bench: I still have a love and passion for basketball

After almost 30 years and an era that has become famous in many ways, Gregg Popovich has left the San Antonio bench.

The Texas franchise announced that the legendary expert had stepped down from his coaching position after health issues he had this season and added that Popovich would serve as president of basketball operations going forward.

It is also known who will take over the baton - Mitch Johnson, who replaced Popovich this season, has been named head coach.

"While my love and passion for the game remains, I have decided to step down from coaching. I will forever be grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who have allowed me to serve them as San Antonio's coach. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to contribute to this organization, community and city that means so much to me," said the 76-year-old Popovich.

Greg's mission in San Antonio began in 1994 when he became general manager and vice president when Peter Holt became the owner of the Spurs.

At the start of the 1996/97 season, after a dismal start to the season and only three wins in 18 matches, Popovich fired coach Bob Hill and then appointed himself head coach.

It turned out that decision he made on December 10th changed San Antonio's history, as from 1999 to 2014, the franchise won five championship rings.

At the beginning of his coaching career, Popovich created one of the best center tandems ever when he paired David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and the first title won in 1999 also included Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, Mario Eli, Will Perdue, Avery Johnson...

The trophies won in this century include the legendary editions of "Senators" Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, as well as Bruce Bowen, Robert Ori, and in 2014, the championship team also included Kawhi Leonard, Boris Diaw, Patty Mills, Danny Green, Thiago Splitter...

Popovich is the NBA record holder with 1.442 wins, and he has not been on the bench since November last year when he suffered a mild stroke.

His health has improved recently, but, as ESPN reports, he is aware that circumstances are no longer such that he could be on the field every day.

Popovich was the longest-serving coach in the NBA, now that "title" has been taken over by Erik Spoelstra, who has been on Miami's bench since April 2008.