In a defining moment for the San Antonio Spurs franchise, legendary head coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down from coaching duties, transitioning into the role of President of Basketball Operations. The announcement, made on May 2, concludes a historic 29-year run that redefined excellence and longevity in the NBA. Popovich hands the reins to longtime assistant Mitch Johnson, who becomes the 19th head coach in franchise history.
A Legendary Era Comes to a Close
Gregg Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,422 regular season victories, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. Under his leadership, the Spurs captured five NBA championships, cementing themselves as one of the league’s model franchises.
“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” said Popovich in the official team statement. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them… and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization.”
Popovich’s journey with San Antonio began in 1988 as an assistant coach under Larry Brown. Apart from a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors from 1992–94, he has spent the entirety of his 37-year NBA coaching and executive career with the Spurs. Before his NBA career, he coached at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.
Beyond the NBA, Popovich also led Team USA to Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, further establishing his global basketball footprint.
Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt paid tribute, saying, “Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs, and the game of basketball is profound… He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader and coach.”
Mitch Johnson: The Next Chapter Begins
Following Popovich’s transition, the Spurs have named Mitch Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson, 36, becomes the youngest active head coach in the NBA and the latest figure tasked with upholding the Spurs’ revered culture.
Johnson assumed acting head coach responsibilities during the 2024–25 season when Popovich stepped away for health reasons just five games in. Over the remaining 77 games, Johnson led the team with composure and earned the trust of the organization’s leadership.
“We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,” said Holt. “Throughout his decade in the organization, we have seen that Mitch has the right values, poise, and potential to lead us into the future.”
A former Stanford standout and G League player, Johnson began coaching with the Austin Spurs in 2016, helping them to a G League championship in 2018. He joined Popovich’s NBA bench in 2017 and rose through the ranks, spending five seasons on the front row of the staff.
“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,” said Johnson. “I am thankful for Coach Pop… and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.”
With Johnson stepping into the lead role and Popovich moving upstairs, the Spurs are ushering in a new era—rooted in legacy but focused on the future. As one chapter ends and another begins, the city of San Antonio once again finds itself at the center of a pow
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
