The head coaching baton of the San Antonio Spurs has officially been passed from Gregg Popovich to Mitch Johnson.
Johnson, 38, takes over a program that Popovich had for 29 years.
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He sat under Popovich as an assistant since 2019, but “Pop” delivered the Spurs to five NBA Championships. The 76-year-old leaves the organization better than when he took over as he transitions to an executive role. Johnson took over for Popovich in an interim role back in March as Pop was recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2024.
In Johnson’s introductory press conference as head coach, Pop announced his successor as the head man — embracing Johnson with a hug in front of local reporters. Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan, both NBA Champions under Popovich, were in attendance for the torch passing.
passing of the torch ???? pic.twitter.com/tjmR9v1Qj2
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 5, 2025
Hopefully, Johnson can continue the success Popovich laid for him as the foundation.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
