Gregg Popovich officially passed the Spurs’ coaching torch to Mitch Johnson, praising his capabilities.
SAN ANTONIO — In his first public appearance after suffering a mild stroke, former San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich officially passed the coaching torch to his successor, Mitch Johnson, the team’s new head coach.
“We have to have someone in charge who’s fully capable of giving their very best because that’s what this group deserves and demands, and we have that man here in San Antonio,” Popovich said.
Johnson filled in as interim head coach for the Spurs last season following Pop’s medical incident and helped guide the team to 34 wins, 12 more than last season’s 22-win team.
Mitch may not have any NBA head coaching experience, but he comes in with years next to Pop on the coaching bench, spent time as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs and was tapped many times to lead the Spurs Summer League squads.
“He took over this year and did a fantastic job,” Pop said of Johnson. “We saw him in action, and he was brilliant. Players respect him.”
Said Pop: “I couldn’t be more thrilled for him and his family and friends.”
Johnson will take over a team that boasts Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, bolstered by complementary players such as Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan.
And with multiple first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs’ future is bright with some added help from Popovich.
“I’ll do everything I can to help him and help them,” he said.
Popovich will now move on to his new full-time position as team president, or as he called himself, “El Jefe,” the boss. He revealed a T-shirt with the words “Señor Popovich President of Basketball Ops” on the back.
“I’ll have a new job. I want everyone to understand what the new job is. I’m no longer coach. I am ‘El Jefe.'”
Pop thanked all of the fans, doctors and countless others for their thoughts as he suffered the stroke and is on the road to recovery.
“That’s a lot of thank yous after 25 to 30 years,” Popovich said. “I can never express the gratitude I have for so many people caring for our organization and sending me thoughts and prayers.”