Gregg Popovich, legendary San Antonio Spurs coach (and winningest coach in NBA history) retired in 2025 following a stroke. While Popovich’s professional success is self-evident, The Athletic covers his skill at having tough conversations and how that contributed to Popovich’s leadership and ability to foster strong relationships and lasting results. While his post-game dinners, incorporating his love for expensive wine, are legendary, that’s only a fraction of his secret sauce. Says Popovich, “I think you have to have accountability. For us, the thing that works best is total, brutal, between-the-eyes honesty. I never try to trick a player or manipulate them, tell them something that I’m going to have to change next week.”
How do you approach tough conversations?