Pop done coaching Spurs; Johnson takes over

Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich will no longer coach the San Antonio Spurs and is transitioning to a full-time role as the team's president of basketball operations, the team announced Friday.

Mitch Johnson, who was named acting head coach after Popovich suffered a mild stroke in November, takes over head coaching duties permanently.

Popovich has been involved with the team and present at San Antonio's facility in recent days, and will continue to be a vital member of the franchise's day-to-day operations, sources told ESPN. As much as he wanted to return to the sideline, he decided that he no longer could move forward with the taxing grind of being an NBA head coach. He has been making steady progress with his health in recovery from the November stroke, sources added.

"While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement. "I'm forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community and city that are so meaningful to me."

Johnson, who led San Antonio to a 31-45 record in Popovich's absence, spent the past decade as an assistant with the Spurs organization. After a standout collegiate career at Stanford, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA G League affiliate and went on to play professionally for three years in the G League and abroad. He then joined the Spurs as an assistant coach for the team's Austin G League team in 2016.

By choosing Johnson as the new coach, the Spurs maintain the continuity and through line laid out by Popovich and CEO RC Buford, as well as general manager Brian Wright, who was hired in the same 2016 offseason as Johnson. All along, the Spurs brass had evaluated Johnson, who gained tremendous support from the franchise's top officials and players.

"I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity," Johnson said in the team's statement. "I am thankful for Coach Pop, RC, Brian and [managing partner Peter J. Holt] trusting me to carry on our culture and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud."

Popovich, 76, began his Spurs career as an assistant coach under Larry Brown in 1988, serving in that role for four seasons before a brief stint under Don Nelson with the Golden State Warriors. He joined San Antonio's front office in 1994 and took over as head coach in December 1996, when, as general manager, he fired Bob Hill after a 3-15 start and took over on the bench. After San Antonio missed the playoffs that season and landed the No. 1 pick, taking Tim Duncan, Popovich led the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff seasons from 1998 to 2019, including winning at least 50 games in 18 straight campaigns.

The legendary coach is the NBA's career wins leader with 1,422 regular-season victories and guided the team to five NBA championships. He is also a three-time NBA Coach of the Year winner, tied with Nelson and Pat Riley for the most in league history. Popovich ranks third in career playoff wins and is one of five coaches to win at least five titles, along with Phil Jackson (11), Red Auerbach (nine), John Kundla (five) and Riley (five).

Popovich is credited as a pillar of the Spurs, partnering with Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard across a dynasty era of championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014.

Popovich seemed poised to again have a superstar player under his tutelage with the Spurs' selection of Victor Wembanyama with the top overall pick in the 2023 draft. He took to social media to thank his coach.

29 years.Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created...But most importantly for being a great and inspiring person. It was an honor to be a part of those 29 years🙏🏽 Wishing you the best on your new chapter.

🐐