NBA community voices opinions following Gregg Popovich's decision to leave head coaching role
In a major shakeup for the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich finally hangs up his coaching hat after an impressive 28-year tenure. According to reports from ESPN, Popovich will instead assume the role of team president full-time.
At 76, Popovich is undeniably the NBA's all-time winningest coach, having racked up an impressive 1,422 regular-season victories over his remarkable 29-year spell with the Spurs. Under his guidance, the team has secured five championships, solidifying their status as one of the league's most esteemed franchises.
Ever since taking the helm as head coach in 1996, Popovich has nabbed three NBA Coach of the Year awards, tying league legends Don Nelson and Pat Riley for the most accolades in history. His leadership during the Spurs' five-title reign was nothing short of formidable, as he navigated a dynastic era with grace, transitioning seamlessly from David Robinson to Tim Duncan and eventually Kawhi Leonard. He was instrumental in shaping one of the NBA's most iconic trios with Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.
Upon announcing his departure, the NBA community was quick to express their love and admiration for Popovich.
"Farewell to the GOAT, @spurs' 🫡 coach Gregg Popovich! A true giant in the game, not only on the court but an extraordinary human being. Respect," posted @IMGIFTD.
"What a career, coach Pop! Thanks for everything. Can't wait to see what's next," added @RachelNichols.
Jeremy Sochan sends a heartfelt message to Gregg Popovich post coaching announcement* The potential successor to Popovich, Becky Hammon, received a mention before Mitch Johnson was named as the new coach.
Meanwhile, the basketball world bid adieu to Popovich with a mix of awe and nostalgia.
"It's gonna be weird watching the NBA without seeing Gregg Popovich on the sidelines, but congrats on a hall of fame career coach Pop!" tweeted @bdrip1k. "@KennonSaidThat praised Popovich, stating, "Thank you so much for being such a wonderful pillar and ambassador for the league, Greg Popovich! In my opinion, the GOAT. You are an outstanding human, and we were lucky to have you grace us with your genius and wit."
SiriusXM's David Shepard put Popovich's accomplishments into perspective, remarking, "He did things his way and cared more about his players than any coaching records! Nearly 30 years as the Spurs' Head Coach, what an incredible run!"
With Popovich's exit, the Spurs have officially named Mitch Johnson as his successor. Johnson, who boasts an impressive coaching resume, will have some massive shoes to fill as the 19th head coach in the storied franchise's history.
Who is Mitch Johnson?Johnson is a Stanford alumnus, graduating in 2009, where he played as a point guard on the university's basketball team. During his college career, he set various records, including leading the Pac-10 in assists in 2008 with 188 and setting a program record with 16 assists in an NCAA Tournament game against Marquette[1]. As a coach, Johnson begins his journey with the Spurs organization as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs in 2016, helping them win a G-League championship in 2018[1]. In 2019, he became an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich[1]. Johnson was named interim head coach in 2024 and was formally appointed as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 2025, succeeding Gregg Popovich[1][2].
- At 76, Popovich, now a full-time team president, is the NBA's all-time winningest coach with 1,422 regular-season victories over a 29-year spell with the San Antonio Spurs.
- Under Popovich's guidance, the San Antonio Spurs secured five championships, solidifying their status as one of the league's most esteemed franchises in sports basketball and NBA.
- Upon announcing his departure, the NBA community sent heartfelt messages to Popovich, praising him as an extraordinary human being and the GOAT in the game.
- With Popovich's exit, the San Antonio Spurs have officially named Mitch Johnson as his successor, a Stanford alumnus who boasts an impressive coaching resume, including a G-League championship win and serving as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under Popovich.
