San Antonio Spurs icon Tony Parker sets his sights on an NBA coaching career

San Antonio Spurs legend and four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Tony Parker is planning to pursue a future in coaching, with the ultimate goal of eventually becoming a head coach of a team in the league.

Parker, who attained iconic status during his time with San Antonio, revealed in a media interaction that a conversation with the legendary Gregg Popovich sparked his interest in coaching, and he is now eager to pursue it as a full-time career.

“When I stepped onto the court, it reminded me of my basketball camps when I was in Fécamp. Last October, after my first discussion with Gregg Popovich, I felt this strong desire. I asked him for advice, and the Spurs opened their doors to me in January, February, and March, where I was able to observe everything over seven to ten days,” Parker said in a conversation with L’Équipe.

Tony Parker is reportedly looking to become an NBA coach, per @Eurohoopsnet pic.twitter.com/7h5iTN3QLh

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 21, 2025

“Then, I had a long discussion with Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, who convinced me to do the DES program. Because in itself, I don’t need it to coach in the NBA. And my dream is to coach in the NBA. But I said to myself, why not go back to school? This year, I’m going to take the DES. I hope I will pass it in May, and then start a coaching career,” he added.

That he got the idea from Popovich is notable, considering that he played under the legendary coach at Spurs between 2001 and 2018. Popovich is well regarded for his basketball IQ, leadership, and unique coaching strategies, and hence there is no better person for Parker to learn from.

Selected as the 28th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2001 NBA draft, Parker was already on Popovich’s radar, having been invited to a Spurs summer camp prior to the draft. The Frenchman spent the majority of his 17-year NBA career with the Spurs, where he became a bona fide legend, leading the franchise to four NBA championships.

In addition to the NBA titles, Parker was named the 2007 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), earned six NBA All-Star selections, and saw his No. 9 jersey retired by the San Antonio Spurs for his contributions to the franchise.

With the Spurs entering a new era following Popovich’s departure, they will certainly be on the lookout for new coaching talent. Given his iconic status at the club, it would not be surprising to see Parker join their coaching staff in the near future.

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