Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, has married Mary Barth Budenholzer, according to marriage records filed in Bexar County, Texas, on Sept. 16, 2026.
The union follows Popovich’s retirement from coaching in 2024 after a mild stroke and his wife Erin’s death in 2018 following a long illness. Mary Budenholzer was previously married to Mike Budenholzer, Popovich’s longtime assistant coach from 1996 to 2013, who helped the Spurs win four NBA championships.
Core Details of the Marriage
- Date of filing: Sept. 16, 2026, in Bexar County, Texas.
- Popovich’s prior marriage: Erin Popovich, who passed away in 2018 after a prolonged illness.
- Mary Budenholzer’s prior marriage: Mike Budenholzer, with whom she has four children; the couple divorced in 2016.
- Popovich’s coaching tenure: 26 seasons as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, retiring with 1,391 regular-season wins, five NBA titles, and three Coach of the Year awards.
Background and Context
Popovich stepped away from the Spurs’ bench in November 2024 after suffering a stroke ahead of a home game. He transitioned to a front-office role as the team’s president of basketball operations, where he remains. Mary Budenholzer, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, has ties to the state, which may explain the choice of Bexar County for the marriage filing.
The San Antonio Spurs organization declined to comment on Popovich’s marriage.
Popovich’s Career and Public Profile
Popovich, 77, is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. His tenure with the Spurs included five championships (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) and a reputation for fostering a dynasty through player development and team culture. In his later years, he became known for his public commentary on social and political issues during press conferences.
Mary Budenholzer, previously a private figure despite her high-profile marriage, has been seen attending Spurs games in recent seasons alongside Popovich. The exact timeline of their relationship has not been publicly disclosed.
Recent Health and Career Milestones
- 2024: Suffered a mild stroke before a home game, leading to his retirement from coaching.
- 2018: Erin Popovich’s death after a long illness.
- 2016: Mike and Mary Budenholzer’s divorce.
- 2013: Mike Budenholzer left the Spurs to become head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.