As Gregg Popovich stepped down from his post as San Antonio Spurs coach and transitioned to a front office role as the team's president this week, endless tributes for the winningest coach in NBA history followed.

Gregg Popovich understood the world. That goes back long before the basketball world knew who he was. It probably can be traced to at least Popovich's time at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he majored in Soviet studies and was on his way to becoming a spy. He became an icon instead.

Gregg Popovich's historic 29-year run as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs is over, he announced Friday. The NBA's all-time coaching wins leader will transition into a new role as the team's president of basketball operations.