Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich Is A Great Manager Of People, Says Former Head Coach

Gregg Popovich is the longest tenured coach in the NBA dating back to 1996. Before he took over as Spurs head coach, he served the general manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations after Peter Holt purchased the team.
Over the course of Pop’s coaching career, he’s had the opportunity to coach players such as Dennis Rodman, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Kawhi Leonard, DeMar DeRozan, and LaMarcus Aldridge. Popovich has also given a lot of coaches in this league opportunity over his two-decade career as an NBA coach. Coaches who are a part of Pop’s coaching tree, Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers, Brett Brown, Mike Budenholzer, Quin Snyder, Monty Williams, Jacque Vaughn, Earl Watson, Joe Prunty, James Borrego, Jim Boylen, Becky Hammon, and Mike Brown.

E TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)
Speaking of coach Mike Brown, I spoke with the current assistant coach of Golden State Warriors and asked him some of the things he learned from Pop, that he has added to his coaching style.
“I have learned a ton of stuff from Pop. Obviously, he is an excellent X and O’s coach, but what people don’t understand is that he is a tremendous people manager. He manages people better anyone else in the business in my opinion. It is basically second to none. Being able to do that making ev
eryone from 1 through 15 on your roster feel like they are a part of the journey. It is hard to accomplish when guys are making as much money as they do on this level. Pop makes everyone feel like they are part of the process and not only on the team but even a custodian working for the organization. Feels apart of the Spurs momentum and championship feeling because of a guy like Pop,” says coach Brown.
Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs just forced a game seven back in Denver against the Denver Nuggets. In the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
