Gregg Popovich marries ex-wife of former Spurs assistant coach

· New York Post

Gregg Popovich added to his ring collection after marrying the ex-wife of one of his former assistant coaches.

The five-time NBA champion head coach of the Spurs tied the knot with Mary Barth Budenholzer on Sept. 16 in Texas, according to a marriage license obtained by TMZ. 

Barth Budenholzer was once married to former San Antonio assistant and current Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, who was by Popovich’s side with the Spurs for nearly two decades from 1996 to 2013.

The duo won four titles together before Budenholzer left to coach the Hawks.

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 15, 2024. Getty Images
Head Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with assistant coach Mike Budenholzer as the team plays the Miami Heat during Game Four of the 2013 NBA Finals on June 13, 2013 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

Mike and Mary Budenholzer divorced in 2016, according to TMZ, and share four children — sons William Vincent and John Brent and daughters Savoia Elizabeth and Hanna Louise.

Popovich’s first wife, Erin, died in 2018 at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness. The couple were married for 41 years and had two children — Jill and Mickey. 

It’s unclear when the 77-year-old Popovich and Barth Budenholzer’s relationship began, but Mike Budenholzer has moved on, too.

He thanked his partner Lisa during his introductory Suns press conference in May 2024.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half against the LA Clippers at PHX Arena on March 4, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona Getty Images

Popovich, now the Spurs president of basketball operations, was forced to retire from coaching after 29 years with San Antonio in 2025 due to health issues after suffering a mild stroke before a game against the Timberwolves in November 2024.

He is the NBA all-time leader in coaching wins at 1,390.

Budenholzer, 57, also has had a successful career as a head coach with 520-363 overall record and two NBA Coach of the Year awards. He won the 2020-21 NBA championship with the Bucks.

He went just 36-46 in his first season in Phoenix.