After 26 years in charge of the Spurs, how much money did Popovich make? You may not believe it when you say it
There are many great coaches in the history of the NBA, such as "Red Master" Auerbach, "Zen Master" Jackson, Paterelli, etc., and if you want to talk about the most successful head coach in the past three decades, it must be Popovich. Since coaching the Spurs in 1996, Popovich has led his team to the playoffs for 22 consecutive years, during which time he has won the championship five times, was elected the coach of the year three times, and was elected the head coach of the Western Conference All-Star team four times, and has won 1336 games so far, ranking first in history.
In the eyes of many media and fans, Popovich is enough to be called the best coach in history, his team basketball has made the Spurs in the championship for many years, and it is a set to stimulate the potential of players, such as Ginobili, Parker, Green and many other second-round show players have played excellent performances under his tutel. So the question is, Popovich coached the Spurs for 26 years, becoming the longest-serving coach in the four major leagues in North America, how much money did he make? Let me listen to the author's details.
In 1996, Popovich, who had previously served as spurs general manager, succeeded Bob Hill as head coach and signed a five-year, $7.5 million contract with an average annual salary of about $1.5 million. In Popovich's first season in charge, the Spurs only achieved a record of 17 wins and 47 losses, but not because they were incompetent, but to get a pick to select Duncan.
Thanks to Duncan's arrival, the Spurs quickly returned to the championship, winning their first championship in franchise history in 1999, and Popovich was naturally awarded a five-year, $15 million contract extension. During this contract period, Popovich led the Spurs to the championship in the 02-03 and 04-05 seasons, respectively, and won a head coach of the year and an All-Star West team head coach.
During this period, the Spurs became the top powerhouses in the West, with a record of more than 50 wins all year round, so Popovich's third contract was added to $27.5 million for five years, with an average annual salary of $5.5 million. Not long after signing, Popovich led the Spurs to the top again in 2007, tied with the Lakers as the team that won the most championships in the new century.
After this contract ended, popovich, who was over the age of A, intended to retire with the GDP combination in the future, so he only signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Spurs this time. But unexpectedly, the old and strong DOP combination and the fast-growing Leonard brought the Spurs back to the championship ranks, reaching the Finals in 2013 and 2014, and winning the championship in 2014. During this period, Popovich was elected the best manager twice, and his value soared.
Popovich then re-signed the Spurs to a five-year, $55 million contract, making him the highest-paid head coach in history. However, due to the retirement of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and the Leonard Palace fight, the Spurs have never returned to the championship, coupled with the death of his wife, Popovich once again came up with the idea of retirement. However, after the Spurs' efforts to retain, Popovich still signed a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Spurs, which will also officially expire after this season's playoffs, so this season is likely to be the end of the old man.
From coaching the Spurs in 1996, Popovich earned $168 million, the highest total salary ever, even more than the vast majority of NBA stars. Of course, Mr. Bobo is well worth the salary, knowing that his contribution to the Spurs for more than two decades is beyond the measure of money.