Home · Sports · Sep 24 archive
Popovich Marries Ex-Wife of Former Assistant
Confirmed
In Short: Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich married Mary Barth Budenholzer, the ex-wife of his former assistant coach Mike Budenholzer.
Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich married Mary Barth Budenholzer last week, according to a Bexar County marriage license obtained by TMZ.
Popovich and Budenholzer's paths crossed extensively during their time in San Antonio, where Budenholzer served as an assistant coach under Popovich for nearly two decades.
Budenholzer left the Spurs in 2013 to take the head coaching position with the Atlanta Hawks, where he won a championship in 2021.
Popovich retired from coaching in 2025 after 29 seasons, finishing as the NBA's all-time wins leader with a record of 1,390-824.
Popovich's career record was adjusted after his retirement, removing the 77 games he missed during the 2024-25 season.
Following his retirement, Popovich took on the role of president of basketball operations for the Spurs.
Popovich, who lost his wife of 40 years to a severe illness in 2018, began dating Mary Barth Budenholzer after her divorce.
The couple was spotted attending Spurs games together last season, indicating their relationship was known around San Antonio.
While the news has gone viral, both Popovich and Budenholzer have moved on with their lives.
The marriage highlights the intertwined basketball journeys of Popovich and Budenholzer, who worked closely together for many years.
What's confirmed
- Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich married Mary Barth Budenholzer last week, the ex-wife of his longtime assistant coach, Mike Budenholzer, TMZ reported on Wednesday.
- Popovich and his new wife married on Sept. 16 in Texas, according to a Bexar County marriage license obtained by the outlet.
- After stints with the Hawks, Bucks and Suns, Budenholzer didn't coach in the NBA during the 2025-26 season.
- In 2018, Popovich lost his wife of 40 years, Erin, to a severe illness.
- Mike Budenholzer worked as an assistant under Popovich with the Spurs from 1996 through 2013, helping the franchise win five NBA championships before leaving San Antonio to become the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.
What's still developing
- Budenholzer and his ex-wife reportedly got divorced in 2016.
- The Spurs' 32-45 record during Popovich's absence that season was instead credited to Mitch Johnson, who took over as interim coach and later had the interim tag removed.
- Remarrying after personal loss, Gregg Popovich ties the knot with the ex-wife of former assistant NBA icon Gregg Popovich has married Mary Barth Budenholzer, the ex-wife of his former assistant Mike Budenholzer, TMZ reported on Wednesday.
- He started as a video coordinator in 1994, moving up to assistant coach two years later.
- TMZ noted that everyone involved has moved on, with Budenholzer in a new relationship and Popovich finding a fresh start at home.
- Later, he moved to the Bucks, where he won a second Coach of the Year award in 2019 and led the franchise to a championship in 2021.
- Popovich has stepped down from his coaching role following health issues and focused entirely on his job as team president.
- A legendary head coach who undoubtedly had an hall of fame career, has made national headlines for something completely out of left field.
- She occasionally featured in the Spurs’ celebrations.
- He later coached the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, winning the 2021 championship with Milwaukee.