« I want to change careers »: Tony Parker is becoming… a coach!

After making history as both a player and ASVEL president, Tony Parker is opening a new chapter in his life. The former Spurs point guard has enrolled in the DES, France’s highest coaching diploma, and has already led his first training session. His ambition is clear: return to the court and eventually coach in the NBA.

The president turned apprentice coach

The news seemed improbable when it reached us on June 19, but it’s now official: Tony Parker is part of the 2025-2026 class of DESJEPS and DEPB, professional coaching diplomas issued by the French Basketball Federation. Registered after the deadline but supported by the FFBB, the ASVEL president confirmed his career change to his reference journalist, David Loriot from L’Équipe.

Thursday morning, the U15s at the Tony Parker Academy experienced an unprecedented moment: their boss directed the session. With paper in hand, confident voice and varied exercises, « TP » found his first coaching sensations. « I missed the court. The adrenaline, the daily routine, I missed all of that. I think this is the right timing for me, » he confided.

Choice mentors: Popovich, Zidane, Henry, Collet

The idea came from a discussion with Gregg Popovich, his legendary coach at the Spurs. Then Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, both having made the transition to coaching, encouraged him to take the step. « They convinced me to take the DES. In itself, I don’t need it to coach in the NBA. But I thought: why not go back to school, » explains the Norman native who has adopted Lyon as his home.

For this training, he will be supervised by two references: Vincent Collet as mentor and Nordine Ghrib as tutor. « Vincent Collet is, for me, the best coach in French national team history. Who better to learn from, between him and Popovich, » emphasizes the NBA champion.

The NBA dream… and maybe Team France one day

Though already approached by some NBA franchises this summer, Tony Parker chose to wait until completing his diploma. « First impressions are very important in the United States. I prefer to be well-prepared and respect the profession, » he insists.

Long-term, the objective is clear: become an NBA coach. But the former point guard isn’t ruling anything out, not even coaching Team France one day: « In the very long term, why not. But first I need to prove myself, ».

This turn could also mean the end of his tenure as ASVEL president by 2026. « You can’t do both at the same time. We’ll see in May, but it’s possible this will be my last season as president, » Parker admits.