Gregg Popovich Thanks Spurs During Transitional Press Conference

Following Gregg Popovich's decision to step down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, the organization has announced that Mitch Johnson, who recently took over as interim coach, will fill the position full time.

During a press conference early today to announce the change, Popovich thanked both the Spurs, and the fans, saying, "I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people."

Johnson has been with the Spurs in various roles since 2016, but following Popovich's mild stroke earlier this season, Johnson took over as coach for 77 games. His record during that time was 32-45.

Johnson had coached for the Spurs twice before the 2024-2025 regular season, including in May of 2021 when Popovich attended the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction, and in March of 2021 when Popovich was out with a non-COVID-19 illness.

Notably, Mitch Johnson's father is former two-time NBA All-Star John Johnson.

While Popovich will no longer be the head coach, he is staying with the team. He will be taking over the role of Spurs President of Basketball Operations.