Popovich transitions to pres. of bball operations; Johnson named Spurs head coach

On Friday, one of the greatest NBA coaches ever has moved on.

The San Antonio Spurs announced that Gregg Popovich will transition from head coach to president of basketball operations.

Later on Friday, the team announced that Mitch Johnson will be its new head coach. Five games into last year, Popovich stepped away from the team due to a stroke in November, and Johnson was appointed the Spurs’ acting head coach for the remaining 77 games of the 2024-25 season.

Back to Popovich: In 29 seasons as the Spurs head coach, Popovich amassed 1,422 regular-season wins, the most in NBA history. During his tenure, the Spurs captured five NBA championships.

“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” said Popovich in a press release. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community and city that are so meaningful to me.”

After joining the Spurs in the summer of 1988 as an assistant coach on Larry Brown’s staff, Popovich has enjoyed a 37-year career as a coach and executive in the NBA. From 1992-94, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach for Don Nelson with the Golden State Warriors. His other 35 NBA seasons have all been in San Antonio with the Spurs.

“Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs, and the game of basketball is profound,” said Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt in a statement. “His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people. He is truly one-of-one as a person, leader, and coach. Our entire family, alongside fans from across the globe, are grateful for his remarkable 29-year run as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.”

Before moving to the NBA, Popovich spent 15 seasons in the collegiate ranks, working as an assistant coach on Hank Egan’s staff at the United States Air Force Academy from 1973-79 before serving as the head coach for the Pomona-Pitzer Colleges from 1979-88.

As the head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team, Popovich led Team USA to the gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Job well done, Pop! Your achievements and contributions to the game of basketball are truly remarkable!