The San Antonio Spurs have officially announced Mitch Johnson as their new head coach, succeeding the legendary Gregg Popovich, who has transitioned to the role of President of Basketball Operations. Popovich’s decision to step down follows a remarkable 29-year coaching career that included five NBA championships and a record 1,422 regular-season wins .
Johnson, 38, has been with the Spurs organization since 2016, serving as an assistant coach and, more recently, as the interim head coach during the 2024–25 season after Popovich suffered a stroke . Under Johnson’s interim leadership, the Spurs posted a 32–45 record. His promotion reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to uphold the team’s culture and values established during Popovich’s tenure.
While the Spurs opted for internal continuity, some NBA fans expressed surprise that the team did not pursue Michael Malone, the former Denver Nuggets head coach who became available after parting ways with the Nuggets in April 2025 . Malone led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023 and was considered a strong candidate for head coaching positions.
Despite fan speculation, the Spurs’ decision to promote Johnson aligns with their tradition of fostering talent from within the organization. Johnson’s familiarity with the team’s system and his experience under Popovich’s mentorship position him to guide the Spurs into their next chapter.
As the Spurs transition into this new era, Johnson’s leadership will be pivotal in maintaining the team’s competitive spirit and upholding the legacy built over nearly three decades. The organization and its fans will be watching closely as Johnson takes the helm and leads the team forward.
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