But city leaders plan to pay tribute to the legendary Spurs coach and his community contributions in January.
SAN ANTONIO — A City of San Antonio panel decided to sideline a former councilman’s proposal to rename the city’s airport after Gregg Popovich.
But a separate proposal to pay tribute to the legendary Spurs coach by dedicating a January day in his honor swished through the proverbial net, with an assist from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and the Governance Committee.
That proposal was submitted via a Council Consideration Request by District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo in May. She sought for the city to declare Jan. 28, 2026, as Coach Gregg Popovich Day through a ceremonial proclamation—a way to honor not just his legacy as the NBA’s all-time winningest head coach, but his contributions beyond the court.
“He has always preached the importance of kindness and giving back to the community,” Castillo said during Wednesday’s Governance Committee meeting. “What we heard from San Antonio residents is the need for us to honor Coach Popovich. I believe there’s no greater way than an act of service.”
The committee, chaired by Jones, unanimously approved the proposal, putting the city on the fast track to recognize Coach Gregg Popovich Day during the City Council meeting closest to his birthday. That likely means honoring him on Wednesday, Jan. 28, when he turns 77 years old.
Two hours later, the Governance Committee tossed former City Councilman Manny Pelaez’s idea that would’ve taken honoring Pop a step further by renaming San Antonio International Airport (SAT)after him.
“As our city continues to grow and welcome visitors from around the world through the San Antonio International Airport, we believe it would be a fitting and lasting tribute to dedicate this vital gateway in honor of Coach Gregg Popovich,” Pelaez wrote in the Council Consideration Request, also submitted in May with the support of four other council members. “Renaming the airport to ‘Gregg Popovich International Airport’ would serve as a constant reminder of his extraordinary legacy and the positive impact he has had on our city and beyond.”
City staff recommended not pursuing the renaming effort, citing the fact that SAT is just 19 months removed from unveiling a rebranding that cost $1.5 million. Going through another round of rebranding, legal updates, sign replacements and other necessary hurdles, City Manager Erik Walsh said, would cost an estimated $2 million—money local leaders haven’t budgeted for.
The committee followed through on staff’s recommendation not to advance the idea without further conversation.
Pelaez, for his part, said he understands the decision.
“When five of us council members proposed the naming, the city’s budget outlook was much different than it is today,” the former council member said in a text message to KENS 5. “I commend the new mayor and the new council for being prudent stewards of tax dollars during a difficult budget year.”
The Spurs announced in early May that Popovich was stepping down as head coach, six months after he suffered a mild stroke and began a rehabilitation program while assistant coach Mitch Johnson took the reins. Popovich – who has 1,391 career wins and led the Spurs to five NBA titles – transitioned to team president while Johnson was anointed his full-time successor.