Following the shocking announcement that the Spurs’ legendary 5-time NBA champion head coach Gregg Popovich would begin transitioning to a front office role as Team President on Friday, his successor was revealed to be San Antonio’s assistant coach Mitch Johnson.
“Breaking: The San Antonio Spurs are hiring assistant Mitch Johnson as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania shared via Twitter/X on Friday.
“Johnson has been an assistant in Spurs program for a decade, took over as interim coach in November – and now earns job as Gregg Popovich’s successor.”
The 38-year-old will now have some massive shoes to fill, as he’ll take over as the Spurs’ first full-time head coach since Popovich began his illustrious tenure with the franchise as lead strategist for the 1996-97 NBA season.
Johnson gained some valuable experience with leading this new iteration of the Spurs with 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, as he took over for Popovich after the 76-year-old suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2.
Johnson would continue in the role of interim head coach after Popovich indefinitely stepped away from coaching to focus on his recovery.
With a fresh, young core comprised of Wembanyama, their mid-season trade acquisition De’Aaron Fox and a brand new head coach, the Spurs have entered an entirely new era in franchise history.
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More NBA: Spurs’ Gregg Popovich to no longer coach team, moving to role in front office
