Popovich Marries Former Assistant's Ex-Wife
Former San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Marries Former Assistant's Ex-Wife
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Key Points
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Popovich’s 2025 coaching retirement followed a mild stroke he suffered before a November 2024 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He remains the NBA’s all-time leader in coaching victories, with 1,390 wins.
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Mike Budenholzer began with the Spurs as a video coordinator before becoming an assistant under Popovich. After leaving San Antonio in 2013, he coached the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, winning the 2021 NBA championship with Milwaukee.
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The Spurs organization declined to comment on Popovich’s marriage to Mary Barth Budenholzer.
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When Popovich retired as head coach, he said, “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” while expressing his intention to continue supporting the Spurs organization, community and city.
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Mitch Johnson succeeded Popovich as San Antonio’s head coach and led the Spurs to an NBA Finals appearance in June 2026.
Gregg Popovich, the legendary San Antonio Spurs coach, quietly married Mary Barth Budenholzer on September 16 in Bexar County, Texas, according to Complex. Barth Budenholzer was previously married to Mike Budenholzer, who served as Popovich's assistant coach from 1996 to 2013 and helped win four NBA championships. The couple's relationship timing remains private, though they were seen together at Spurs games during the 2025-26 season.
Popovich, 77, retired as San Antonio's head coach in 2025 after a mild stroke in November 2024. His first wife, Erin, died in 2018 after 41 years of marriage. Mike Budenholzer moved on to his own new partner and went on to coach the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, winning the 2021 NBA championship with Milwaukee.
A Landmark Coaching Career Ends
Popovich retired as head coach after leading the Spurs for 29 seasons. He remains the NBA's all-time leader in coaching victories with 1,390 wins. Yahoo Sports reported that when he stepped down, Popovich said: "While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach." He kept his role as president of basketball operations.
Mike Budenholzer's Rise After San Antonio
Budenholzer started with the Spurs as a video coordinator before becoming an assistant under Popovich. After leaving in 2013, he climbed to head coaching positions. He led the Atlanta Hawks and later the Milwaukee Bucks, capturing the 2021 NBA championship. His path showed how Popovich's coaching tree produced successful leaders across the league.
A New Chapter for the Spurs Organization
Mitch Johnson replaced Popovich as San Antonio's head coach and led the team to a remarkable turnaround. The Spurs reached the NBA Finals in June 2026, showing the organization's ability to move forward after Popovich's departure. MLB Live noted that Popovich's marriage represents a quiet new chapter for the legendary coach as he steps back from his coaching duties.
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