America Ablaze Over "Crazy Serb!" Gregg Popovich Gets New "Ring" at 77, Marries Ex-Wife of His Top Assistant!

According to a marriage certificate obtained by TMZ, 77-year-old Popovich tied the knot with Mary Bart Budenholzer, formerly known as Mrs. Mike Budenholzer. The couple exchanged vows on September 16th in a private ceremony in Bexar County, Texas. This news wouldn't be quite so sensational if Mike Budenholzer hadn't been Gregg Popovich's right-hand man in San Antonio for nearly two full decades! From 1996 to 2013, the two worked closely together, winning five championship rings with San Antonio, before Budenholzer independently took over the Atlanta Hawks, and later the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he also won a championship.

The story, which has caused a significant stir, has a deep and complex background. Mike and Mary Budenholzer quietly divorced in 2016 after a long marriage. Just two years later, the American coach of Serbian descent suffered a profound tragedy when his wife, Erin Popovich, passed away after a long and difficult battle with illness.

It's unclear when the spark ignited between the legendary coach and his former assistant's ex-wife, but they were seen together in a suite at Spurs games last season. A source close to Gregg indicates that Mike himself has since found a new partner, and everyone has moved on.

The Texas club declined to officially comment on the private life of its most successful coach in history and his new "ring," but social media and American outlets are abuzz with comments. While some believe Popovich violated an unwritten code by marrying the ex-wife of his close associate, others emphasize that both were single and deserved a new chance at happiness.

Mary Ellen Bart, her maiden name, was born on October 10, 1964, in Texas. She largely stayed out of the public eye, and during her marriage to Budenholzer, she was described as a very supportive wife. Mary and Mike have four children. Popovich stepped down as the Spurs' head coach in May 2025 after 29 seasons and now serves as the franchise's president of basketball operations.