After nearly three decades of Gregg Popovich’s legendary leadership, the San Antonio Spurs have officially turned the page to a new era. Mitch Johnson, who served as acting head coach for the final 77 games of the 2024-25 season, has been named the new full-time head coach following Popovich’s announcement that he is stepping down and shifting to a full-time front office role as President of Basketball Operations.
This moment marks a historic transition for one of the most stable and successful franchises in NBA history. Johnson, 37, becomes only the third Spurs head coach in the past 28 years, following Popovich and Bob Hill before him.
From the G League to the Big Stage
Johnson’s journey to this point is a testament to patience, development, and continuity — all values that define the Spurs organization. He began his coaching career with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s G League affiliate, over nine years ago. His steady rise included stints as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs and head coaching duties during the NBA Summer League in 2022 and 2023.
His chance came unexpectedly on November 2, 2024, when Popovich suffered a stroke hours before a matchup against the Timberwolves. Johnson was thrust into the head coaching role with no warning — and stayed in the job for the remainder of the season.
Although his 32-45 record in that span officially goes on Popovich’s ledger, Johnson’s fingerprints were all over the team’s adjustments and progress. His leadership was respected internally and publicly backed by Spurs cornerstone Victor Wembanyama, who said, “I trust the organization … and I also trust Mitch to grow into that role. I think we are in good hands.”
Spurs Culture of Continuity
Continuity has long been a hallmark of San Antonio’s success. The promotion of Johnson signals a commitment to maintaining that identity while evolving into a new chapter. Spurs CEO R.C. Buford, Managing Partner Peter J. Holt, and GM Brian Wright were all involved in the decision — and praised Johnson for his values, poise, and leadership potential.
“We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,” Holt said. “Throughout his decade in the organization we have seen that Mitch has the right values, poise and potential to lead us into the future.”
Popovich, who had held the head coaching role since 1996, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy: five NBA titles, three Coach of the Year awards, and over 1,300 regular-season wins.
From Player to Coach
A four-year starter at Stanford, Johnson played alongside NBA talent like Brook and Robin Lopez. He later played professionally in Europe and in the G League. His basketball pedigree runs deep — he’s the son of 12-year NBA veteran John Johnson — and he’s also a family man, with four children: Tasia, Tatum, Johnnie, and Jameson.
“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,” Johnson said in the official team statement. “I am thankful for Coach Pop, RC, Brian and Peter trusting me to carry on our culture and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.”
Looking Ahead
As the Spurs continue building around rising superstar Victor Wembanyama, they do so with a head coach who has earned his stripes within the system. Johnson’s promotion represents more than just a passing of the torch — it symbolizes the evolution of a franchise that remains deeply committed to its values.
For San Antonio, the culture lives on — and Mitch Johnson is now the man at the helm.
