NBA legend Gregg Popovich has left fans in disbelief after reportedly tying the knot with the ex-wife of his former assistant coach.
According to TMZ, the five-time NBA champion married Mary Barth Budenholzer, the ex-wife of former assistant Mike Budenholzer, in Texas on September 16.
Budenholzer spent nearly two decades on Popovich’s bench in San Antonio, serving as an assistant coach from 1996 through 2013 after breaking into the organization as a video coordinator in 1994.
During that 19-year partnership, Budenholzer served as Popovich’s right-hand man, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Spurs dynasty.
Together, the pair helped guide San Antonio to four NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007) before they went their separate ways.
Budenholzer eventually branched out on his own in 2013 to take over the Atlanta Hawks, going on to earn two NBA Coach of the Year awards before capturing his own championship as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
NBA legend Gregg Popovich has left fans in disbelief after reportedly tying the knot with the ex-wife of his former assistant coach Mike Budenholzer
Away from the hardwood, Mike and Mary quietly divorced in 2016 after decades together, having raised four children during their marriage.
Two years later, Popovich suffered personal tragedy when his beloved wife of four decades, Erin Popovich, passed away in April 2018 following an extended illness.
The couple had been married since 1977 and raised two children, Jill and Micky, with Erin often described as the emotional bedrock of Popovich’s personal life and career.
While details regarding when Popovich and Mary first began dating have remained closely guarded, the pair were spotted sitting courtside together at an Austin Spurs game last season.
Budenholzer has also moved on into a new relationship, according to the report.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Antonio Spurs for comment.
The update comes after Spurs announcer Jacob Tobey reportedly returned to his job earlier this month after getting fired in the wake of explosive affair allegations.
The lead play-by-play announcer for the NBA team was let go back in July after he was accused of cheating on his then-girlfriend with a player’s sister.
Popovich’s first wife, Erin, passed away in 2018 after battling an undisclosed illness
Budenholzer spent nearly two decades on Popovich’s bench in San Antonio, serving as an assistant coach from 1996 through 2013
But Tobey has now seemingly won his job back and announced the news on social media at the start of September.
‘I thank the Spurs for allowing me time to step away to sort out issues in my personal life,’ he posted.
‘I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion.
‘I believe I have the best job in the world and am thrilled to be able to continue as the team’s play-by-play announcer.’
