Coach Pop will transition to President of Basketball Operations for Spurs; Mitch Johnson becomes Head Coach

Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich will shift from Head Coach to President of Basketball Operations, while Mitch Johnson will take over as Head Coach of the organization.

The San Antonio Spurs announced Friday that Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich will transition from Head Coach to President of Basketball Operations.

“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 from the Spurs. “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.”

During his 29 years as head coach of the Spurs, Popovich led the team to 1,422 regular season wins, the most in NBA history, according to the club. He also helped guide the Spurs to five NBA championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Additionally, Popovich led Team USA to a Gold Medal victory in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Immediately following the press release, the organization announced that 2024-25 Acting Head Coach Mitch Johnson was named the full-time Head Coach of the team.

“We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,” said Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt in a press release. “Throughout his decade in the organization we have seen that Mitch has the right values, poise and potential to lead us into the future.”

“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,” said Johnson. “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.”