Gregg Popovich will not coach this season but remains hopeful for a possible future return.

Popovich, 76, shared his decision after a meeting with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. He had been absent since November 2 following a stroke at the team’s arena.

“I’ve decided not to return to the sidelines this season,” Popovich said in a statement. “Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown has been outstanding.”

Popovich emphasized that he would continue to focus on his health with hopes of returning to coaching in the future.

Additionally, the Spurs announced that All-Star center Victor Wembanyama will not play for the remainder of the season due to complications from deep vein thrombosis.

Popovich’s last public comments prior to Thursday indicated that he and his family had been touched by the support during this time, hinting at the potential of returning to coaching despite his current situation.