JUST IN: Gregg Popovich Bids Farewell as Spurs Head Coach as Team Welcomes Mitch Johnson as Successor…
San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich addressed the media on Monday following the official announcement that Mitch Johnson will take over as the team’s head coach.
In his first press conference since suffering a mild stroke in November 2024, Popovich reflected on his 29-year coaching career with the Spurs and explained his decision to step down.
“After nearly three decades, there are countless people to thank,” Popovich said. “I’m deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and well-wishes for both me and the organization.”
He added that although his health is improving steadily, it’s not yet at the level required for the demands ahead.
The Spurs named Johnson, who had been serving as interim coach, as the new head coach on Friday — a move that Popovich fully endorses.
“We need someone who can give 100 percent to the job,” he said. “Mitch is the one to lead us into the future, and I’ll support him every step of the way.”
Though stepping down from coaching, Popovich will remain involved with the franchise as president of basketball operations — a role he embraced humorously with a custom T-shirt reading “Señor Popovich President of Basketball Ops.”
Popovich, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, was joined by Spurs icons Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili as he formally handed over the reins and welcomed a new era for the team.
“We won’t win every game,” he said, “but we’ll always carry ourselves with integrity.”
