Former NBA player Darius Songaila leaves the San Antonio Spurs, citing limited chances to advance.
Songaila, who joined the Spurs as an assistant coach in November 2020, expressed frustration over his stagnant role within the organization.
“I reached a dead end and it was time to change the situation, as I had no opportunities to climb higher,” Songaila told Rokas Pakenas of 15min.lt.
He explained his decision to leave, noting dissatisfaction with remaining in the second assistant coach position while first assistant roles were secured by long-term contracts.
Songaila discussed his career limitations with head coach Gregg Popovich, who supported his decision to seek new opportunities.
“The Spurs had become my second home,” Songaila said, reflecting on his time with the team. “It’s painful to leave, but I had been in the same position for three years with no upward mobility.”
Songaila began his NBA coaching career as a quality assurance assistant with the Spurs in August 2018, was promoted to player development assistant in September 2019, and then to assistant coach in November 2020.
