Gregg Popovich gets another ring: Legendary Spurs coach marries ex-wife of former assistant

NBA legend Gregg Popovich built his legacy around leadership, discipline, and championships, but now his name is making headlines for a completely different reason. The longtime San Antonio Spurs coach has remarried, and the news has surprised the sports world: his new wife is the ex-partner of one of his former closest collaborators, according to TMZ .

According to a marriage certificate obtained by the outlet, Popovich married Mary Barth Budenholzer , who was previously married to Mike Budenholzer , one of the assistants who was part of the Spurs ’ successful project for nearly two decades.

The professional relationship between Popovich and Budenholzer was one of the most important in the franchise’s recent history. Mike worked as an assistant to “Pop” from 1996 to 2013, a period in which San Antonio won five NBA championships and established itself as one of the league’s most successful organizations.

According to the official record filed in Bexar County, Texas , Popovich and Mary held their wedding on September 16 .

Although it is not known when the relationship between the two began, prior events mark the timeline: Mike and Mary Budenholzer divorced in 2016, while two years later, in 2018, Erin Popovich—the coach’s first wife—passed away after battling a serious undisclosed illness.

Now, in 2026, Popovich and Mary are beginning a new chapter together. The couple had already been seen sharing moments at Spurs games during the last season, while Mike Budenholzer has also moved on with his personal life.

The San Antonio Spurs did not comment on the new marriage of their historic coach, who now adds another “ring” to his collectio n—though this time far from the hardwood and much more personal.

The story generated surprise due to the connection between two figures who shared so many years within the same organization, but all those involved appear to have moved forward with their respective lives.