Legendary NBA coach Gregg Popovich has tied the knot once again, marrying Mary Barth Budenholzer, the former spouse of his long-time assistant, Mike Budenholzer. The wedding took place last week on September 16 in Bexar County, Texas, as reported by court documents obtained by TMZ.
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Popovich, who has led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championships, is now 77 years old. In contrast, his new wife, Mary, is 61 years old and was previously wed to Mike Budenholzer, who worked under Popovich for several years. The couple’s previous connections to each other and to the Spurs organisation add a notable twist to their union.
In recent months, the newlyweds have been seen attending several NBA games together, particularly as the Spurs fought for a spot in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, showcasing their support for the franchise. The Popovich-Budenholzer relationship has developed against the backdrop of a shared history tied to the Spurs, where Mike Budenholzer was a crucial part of the coaching staff under Popovich from 1996 until 2013.
Mike Budenholzer ascended through the ranks in San Antonio, starting as a video coordinator in the 1994-95 season before rising to become an assistant coach and contributing to the team’s four championships during his time there. After his tenure with the Spurs, he eventually became the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and later took on a role with the Phoenix Suns, though he faced a premature dismissal after just one season.
The Budenholzers share four children: two sons, William Vincent and John Brent, and two daughters, Savoia Elizabeth and Hanna Louise. Mary’s previous marriage to Mike ended in divorce in 2016, and the two continue to co-parent their children together.
Popovich’s personal life has also seen its share of heartache. He was previously married to Erin Popovich, who passed away in 2018 following a prolonged illness. The couple were together for 41 years and had two children, Jill and Mickey, in addition to two grandchildren. His late wife’s memory has undoubtedly left a significant impact on Popovich’s life.
The marriage to Mary Budenholzer marks a new chapter for the esteemed coach, occurring nearly two years after he experienced a mild stroke just before a game. Following this health scare, Popovich announced a significant shift in his professional role, stepping away from his position as head coach of the Spurs to take on the responsibilities of president of basketball operations.
In a heartfelt statement regarding his decision to step back from coaching, Popovich expressed gratitude towards the players, staff, and fans who supported him throughout his illustrious career. He conveyed a deep love for the game and excitement for the opportunity to continue his involvement with the Spurs in a different capacity.
Popovich’s legacy as a coach is unparalleled, and his recent marriage signifies a promising step forward in both his personal and professional life. As he embarks on this new journey with Mary Budenholzer, fans and followers will be keen to see how this development unfolds alongside his continued commitment to the Spurs franchise.
The combination of personal milestones and professional changes may lead to an exciting season for Popovich and the Spurs, as the coach looks to shape the future of the team he has dedicated much of his life to.