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Mitch Johnson never envisioned himself taking on the role of head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, even on a temporary basis.
Now, he will lead the team into the future.
As the interim coach for the last 77 games of this season, Johnson has been elevated to head coach following Gregg Popovich’s announcement on Friday about stepping down to focus solely on his duties as the president of basketball operations.
Having held the coaching position since 1996, Popovich’s decision opens the door for Johnson, who will be officially introduced as the new head coach on Monday in San Antonio.
Reflecting on his journey, Johnson remarked at the end of the regular season, “When I joined the Austin Spurs over nine years ago, I never anticipated that this opportunity would come my way. It’s amusing how life unfolds and how significant opportunities can arise from unexpected circumstances.”
The Spurs organization emphasizes continuity, often referred to as the “Spurs Way,” which has remained a constant for decades. Thus, Johnson’s selection as head coach is quite fitting.
“We’re excited to announce Mitch Johnson as our new head coach,” the Spurs tweeted.
Over his decade-long tenure with the organization, Johnson has evidently demonstrated his capabilities to the Spurs leadership team—Popovich, CEO R.C. Buford, managing partner Peter J. Holt, and general manager Brian Wright.
Holt expressed enthusiasm for Johnson’s promotion, stating, “We are ecstatic to have Mitch as our next head coach. Throughout his ten years with us, it’s clear that he embodies the values, composure, and potential necessary to guide us into the future.”
Johnson secured the interim position with little warning after Popovich suffered a stroke just hours before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 2. Johnson took over on an interim basis and continued to coach through the end of the season.
His record during that time was 32-45, which will be attributed to Popovich since he remained the official head coach. When Johnson begins next season on opening night, it will mark his 78th game in that capacity, beginning with an official record of 0-0 unless the NBA specifies otherwise.
Star player Victor Wembanyama expressed confidence in the organization’s decision-making process, stating, “I believe the organization will make the right choices, and I trust Mitch will grow into this role. We are in capable hands.”
Johnson has spent nine seasons with the Spurs, with the last five in San Antonio itself. He coached the team during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in 2022 and 2023, with Popovich observing from the stands.
His career with the Spurs began with their G League affiliate in Austin, Texas, following a season as an assistant at the University of Portland in 2016.
A four-year starter at Stanford, Johnson played alongside notable players like Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, and Landry Fields, and later competed in the G League and in Europe. He is the son of John Johnson, a 12-year NBA veteran, and has four children—Tasia, Tatum, Johnnie, and Jameson—with his wife, Jessica.
“I am incredibly thankful and honored to have this amazing opportunity,” Johnson stated. “I appreciate Coach Pop, R.C., Brian, and Peter for their trust in me to uphold our culture, and I pledge to pour everything I have into this responsibility to make Spurs fans proud.”
