Popovich has also directly and indirectly mentored some of the game's most accomplished coaches, from the Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr—who played under Popovich on the Spurs—to Bucks coach Doc Rivers—who also played under Popovich—to Carlisle, who considers the former Spurs coach to be a mentor.

Popovich has been with the Spurs for nearly 35 years. He was an assistant coach from 1988-92, then returned to the club on May 31, 1994, as its executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager. He fired coach Bob Hill and appointed himself coach on Dec. 10, 1996.

Gregg Popovich stepped down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, ending a three-decade run that saw him lead the team to five NBA championships.