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After leaving the military, Popovich began his coaching career as an assistant at the Air Force Academy in 1973. However, it was in 1979 that he received his first head coaching break at Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens. During this time, he formed a friendship with the legendary coach Larry Brown, which became pivotal for Popovich’s development. The relationship deepened when Brown invited Popovich to join him as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988, giving Popovich his first foothold in the NBA.