Last Updated: September 24, 2026
Mary Barth Budenholzer has stayed mostly out of the spotlight for years. That changed this week when news broke that she married legendary former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Suddenly, searches for “Mary Barth Budenholzer ex husband” spiked. People want to know who she was married to before, how that chapter ended, and what the family looks like now.
Her ex-husband is longtime NBA coach Mike Budenholzer. Their story is a classic behind-the-scenes NBA family tale: long years together, four kids, a quiet divorce, and both moving forward in their own ways.
Table of Contents
Who Is Mary Barth Budenholzer?
Mary Ellen Barth was born on October 10, 1964, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended Mary Carroll High School and later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Friends and those who knew the Spurs organization during the championship years describe her as private, supportive, and grounded.
She never sought the camera. While her husband rose through the coaching ranks, Mary focused on raising their children and keeping family life steady amid the constant travel and pressure of the NBA schedule.
Marriage to Mike Budenholzer and Family Life
Mike Budenholzer joined the San Antonio Spurs organization in the mid-1990s as a video coordinator and eventually became one of Gregg Popovich’s most trusted assistants from 1996 to 2013. During that stretch the Spurs won four titles (1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007). Mary was part of that tight-knit Spurs world.
The couple married and raised four children:
- William Vincent
- Savoia Elizabeth “Libby”
- Hanna Louise
- John Brent
Mary stayed largely behind the scenes. One memorable moment came in 2013 when she and the kids celebrated a Spurs series sweep by placing brooms along the street and hanging a “Best of the West” banner at home. She fielded the excited calls that morning. It was a rare public glimpse into how the family lived the Spurs success.
The Divorce and Life After Separation
Mike and Mary divorced quietly. Most reliable reports place the split in 2016, though some earlier accounts mentioned around 2018. Neither side made public statements or drama. The divorce stayed private, consistent with how Mary had always handled her personal life.
After the separation, Mike continued his coaching career. He became head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, then won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, and later coached the Phoenix Suns. In recent years he has spoken warmly about his partner Lisa, calling her a “game-changer” in his life during his 2024 introductory press conference with the Suns.
Mary continued to keep a low profile. She focused on her children and stayed away from media attention.
Recent Chapter: Marriage to Gregg Popovich
On September 16, 2026, Mary Barth Budenholzer and Gregg Popovich married in Bexar County, Texas. The marriage license became public through reporting by TMZ on September 23, 2026. Popovich, now 77 and the Spurs’ president of basketball operations after retiring from coaching in 2025, lost his first wife Erin in 2018 after a long illness. The two couples had known each other for decades through the Spurs organization.
The news surprised many, but both Mary and Mike had already moved on years earlier. Popovich and Mary were seen together at Spurs games during the previous season. The organization has not issued any public comment.
Here is a quick overview of the key details: Detail Information Full Name Mary Ellen Barth (later Mary Barth Budenholzer) Birth Date & Place October 10, 1964 – Corpus Christi, Texas Education University of Texas at Austin Ex-Husband Mike Budenholzer Marriage Years (approx.) Until divorce around 2016 Children William, Savoia “Libby,” Hanna, John Current Status (as of Sept 2026) Married to Gregg Popovich (Sept. 16, 2026)
Mary Barth Budenholzer’s story shows how private lives often continue quietly even when connected to high-profile NBA figures. Her marriage to Mike Budenholzer produced a close family of four children during the Spurs’ golden era. Their divorce stayed respectful and low-key. Both have since found new chapters—Mike with his partner Lisa and coaching path, and Mary now married to Popovich.
In the end, the focus remains on the people behind the headlines: a mother who valued privacy, a coach who rose through the ranks, and a family that shared the highs of championship basketball without seeking the spotlight. As more details stay private, that quiet dignity continues to define how Mary has handled every stage of her life.
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