Who’s taking over for Gregg Popovich? Here’s who’s leading the Spurs next
After 29 legendary seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach, transitioning into a new role as team president.
After close to three decades of coaching, Gregg Popovich has retired as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. This effectively ends one of the most well-known eras of any professional sports franchise in NBA history. During his 29 seasons with the franchise, Popovich won five championships as a head coach, and was the longest-serving head coach in any of the major U.S. sports leagues. However, this represents the end of a legacy — but not the end of an era.
Popovich will have a role within the organization as the team president, the team has named long-time assistant coach Mitch Johnson as the new coach. Johnson, who was an interim head coach last season when Popovich suffered a minor stroke, went 31-45 and has been ingrained in the Spurs over the past 10 years. The team is signaling that it wants continuity and cultural consistency as it begins, whatever may come after a historical legacy.
Mitch Johnson is the next coach of the Spurs after Gregg Popovich departure
An iconic 29 seasons as the San Antonio Spurs head coach has come to an end, as Gregg Popovich is officially retired. The NBA Hall of Fame, who guided the Spurs to five titles, enjoyed the longest active coaching tenure in all the major sports in the United States.
Popovich now takes over as team president, leaving the Spurs to officially name their first head coach in 30 years. The new head coach for the Spurs is Mitch Johnson, who has been an assistant with the organization for roughly ten years. Johnson briefly took over as head coach last season when Popovich suffered a minor stroke. Johnson finished with a record of 31-45 as interim head coach, which put him in a position to become head coach, given the Spurs are focused on continuity.
"I’m really honored and thankful for this opportunity," Johnson said on Friday. "I’d like to thank Coach Pop, RC, Brian, and Peter for trusting me to uphold our culture. I will do everything I can to make Spurs fans proud."
As Johnson takes over the head coach duties, Popovich is presumably going to remain employed and active with the team. Also, general manager Brian Wright is staying on, so there's a sense of continuity in leadership.
"My love for the game remains intact, but I think it's time to step away from coaching,” Popovich said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the amazing players, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve, and I look forward to continuing my support for this great organization and community."
Popovich is often recognized as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, and has the opportunity to coach legends like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
Then, the Spurs hit the jackpot in the 2023 draft lottery with the first pick, and selected French prodigy Victor Wembanyama.
