San Antonio Spurs appoint Mitch Johnson as the new head coach following Gregg Popovich's switch to full-time team president role.
Fresh Take:
Mitch Johnson Takes the Helm as Popovich Steps Down from the San Antonio Spurs | The Herd
Get ready for some fresh coaching and a nod to an NBA icon as Mitch Johnson takes the reins, with Gregg Popovich transitioning to a full-time president of basketball operations role.
For the first time since 1996, Popovich isn't calling the shots on the sidelines for the San Antonio Spurs. The word is out, and on Friday, the NBA franchise announced the promotion of Mitch Johnson to head coach.
Reports suggest that Popovich chose to let go of his head coaching duties following nearly three decades of balancing executive and coaching roles. The decision came shortly after confirming the move, which has left loyal Spurs fans a bit emotional but hopeful for the future.
The Spurs' assistant coach since 2019 and a tenured member of the team for nine years, Johnson got his start with the Spurs' G League affiliate in Austin, Texas, in 2016. He also served as the team's coach in the NBA Summer League in 2022 and 2023 when Popovich was recovering from what the team described as a mild stroke in the 2024-25 season.
Popovich has had a monumental impact on NBA history, boasting not only consistent success but also an unparalleled coaching philosophy. With 1,422 victories under his belt, he holds the record for most ever by an NBA head coach, and his three NBA Coach of the Year awards tie him for the most honors in league history. 🏀🏆
With Johnson set to be formally introduced on Monday in San Antonio, the Spurs community sends their unwavering support his way as he steps up to the challenge. Popovich himself seemed optimistic, acknowledging his trust in the new coach and expressing excitement for his continued collaboration with the organization.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for our website Digital.
Enrichment Data:
Popovich's career achievements and impact on the NBA are monumental, with sustained excellence, a transformative coaching philosophy, and an impressive winning record. Key points of his legacy include:
- Career Achievements:
- 5 NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) with the Spurs, tying him for third-highest count in league history.
- A record 1,422 victories as an NBA head coach, the most ever in the league.
- 3 NBA Coach of the Year awards, tied for the most honors in league history.
- A record 22 consecutive winning seasons (1998-2019), surpassing Phil Jackson’s previous record.
- Impact on the NBA History:
- Implemented a modern “system over stars” model prioritizing teamwork and adaptability, revolutionizing roster construction.
- Mentored future coaches such as Steve Kerr, Mike Budenholzer, and Becky Hammon, spreading his coaching philosophy across the league.
- Led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, displaying his adaptability to managing superstar egos in short-term tournaments.
- Coached the Spurs for a record 29 seasons (1996-2025), demonstrating his longevity and relevance through evolving playstyles.
Transferred data from enrichment section is shown in italics, added to the base article where it fits naturally. 🤖💕✨
In the upcoming sports season, Mitch Johnson will join the NBA as the new head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, replacing the iconic Gregg Popovich who is stepping down. Popovich, renowned for his coaching philosophy and impressive winning record, leaves behind a legacy that includes a record 1,422 victories, three NBA Coach of the Year awards, and five NBA titles. Spurs fans, while emotional about Popovich's departure, are thankful and hopeful for Johnson's coaching ability, as he has served as an assistant coach since 2019 and previously coached the team in the NBA Summer League in 2022 and 2023. Popovich, while stepping down, remains optimistic about Johnson's leadership and is looking forward to continued collaboration with the organization in his new role as the president of basketball operations.
