Spurs promote assistant Mitch Johnson to head coach as Gregg Popovich moves into front office

The San Antonio Spurs didn't spend long pondering their next move. Shortly after Shams Charania broke the news that Gregg Popovich would step down as head coach, the Spurs had already tapped Mitch Johnson as his successor.

In less than an hour, the longtime assistant was confirmed as the man to lead the team forward, following Popovich's decision to step aside after an iconic 29-year run on the sidelines and shift into his new role as team president.

Johnson, who stepped in as acting head coach when Popovich temporarily exited in November, wrapped up the season with a 31-45 record despite injury setbacks to key figures Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.

Per Charania, the Spurs' decision was rooted in maintaining the franchises identity and culture, continuity that Popovich, GM Brian Wright, and CEO RC Buford were keen to preserve as they enter a new era in San Antonio.

Here's some of the quick reaction from around the NBA world:

Mitch Johnson's journey with the Spurs organization dates back to the 2016 offseason, when he joined the franchise as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs. He spent three years developing talent at the G League level before earning a promotion to the San Antonio bench in 2020, stepping into the role vacated by Tim Duncan. Prior to coaching, Johnson played four seasons at Stanford (2005–2009) and had a brief stint in the G League with the Tulsa 66ers.

Johnson wrapped up his interim stint in 2024–25 with a 34–48 record, placing the Spurs 13th in the Western Conference and extending their playoff drought to six straight seasons. It's a far cry from the days when Gregg Popovich had the team penciled into the postseason every spring, guiding San Antonio to 22 consecutive playoff appearances between 1998 and 2019. Now, he steps into the spotlight, taking the reins from Gregg Popovich, who missed most of the 2024–25 campaign after suffering a mild stroke on November 2.

According to Charania, while Popovich had been back around the team facility in recent weeks, he ultimately decided the relentless demands of head coaching were no longer feasible.

Popovich, who also faced a second health scare in April, continues to recover steadily. He won't be walking away entirely, though, he'll now serve as the Spurs’ full-time President of Basketball Operations, guiding the franchise from the front office rather than the sideline.

The Spurs are banking on a new era built around two rising stars—Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the NBA's last two Rookie of the Year recipients. Both are still waiting for their first taste of playoff basketball, and helping them get there will be priority number one as Johnson prepares for his first full season at the helm.