Insights from Mitch Johnson's press conference

Before Mitch Johnson began his first press conference as the Spurs' new head coach, Coach Pop discussed his recovery, the support he has received, and why Johnson is the right person to lead the team.

Monday marked a transformative day for the San Antonio Spurs organization. Speaking at his first press conference in months following a stroke in early November, former Spurs Head Coach and now President of Basketball Operations, Gregg Popovich, addressed his recovery and the support he has received, as well as why the Spurs’ new Head Coach, Mitch Johnson, is the right man for the job and is ready to take on the responsibilities.

“There’s a lot of thank yous after 25 or 30 years,” said Pop, with Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, standing by his side. “I could never express the gratitude that I have for so many people caring among the organization and sending me thoughts, prayers, that sort of thing, since I had the stroke.”

“Things are getting better by the day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead, and so it’s time to make this change. I want to thank all of you in here: former players, coaches, friends, people from the ticket office, or people who put on a show during timeouts. We all have a part in this. It’s not just the players and the coaches; everybody has been dedicated to do their part and make a successful thriving organization, and that starts at the top with the Holt family, and we will continue to do our best. To do this with class.”

“That’s one of the reasons why Mitch Johnson will be taking over, because we have total faith in him to continue what’s been started a long time ago.”

“I want to thank all my rehab people, some of who are here. Timmy and Manu who have been here for all of my workouts here at the Rock. They say it’s because they love me and they want to be there in case I fall, they’re going to catch me and that sort of thing. I call it payback,” said Popovich, still providing his words that can make a room full of people chuckle. “They give the rehab people new ideas of things to do to me. So, you’re not fooling anybody, especially you Timmy,” as Duncan looked down and was giggling.

“I want to thank the fans for being right next to us with every win and every loss over these many years. We feel a close bond with you, and we know we have a big responsibility to you here in San Antonio, and we will never forget that. Thank for the years of your support and we won’t let you down. We won’t win every game, but we’ll try to, and we’ll do it with class - whether it’s a win or a loss.”

“One of the reasons that I’m doing this now is that we have to have someone in charge who's fully capable of giving their very best, because that’s what this group deserves and demands, and we have that man here in San Antonio. Mitch has been in the G-League for a few years, behind the bench a few years, and then took over this year, and did a fantastic job, with circumstances that were very difficult, and we saw him in action, and he was brilliant. Players respect him, he’ll hold them accountable, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for him and his family and friends. It’s just a tribute to him, all the players who were in town who were able to come, especially a special guest - Dejounte Murray, who Mitch has known since he was nine years old. He came all this way just to be here for this day. Mitch and I both appreciate it very much.”

“Obviously, people like David (Robinson) are part of the fabric of what’s been established here, from the moment he decided to stay in San Antonio, and under the leadership of RC Buford and a host of assistant GMs and coaches, former players. We’ve been fortunate enough to keep it going, and that’s the goal: to make sure we keep it going. We’ve got scouts and people in film rooms, and people who empty baskets, clean windows, and we’re grateful to all of them, because everybody does a job. We’ve got some young players who are going to end up being really great players, some in Austin, and many right here in San Antonio, and Mitch Johnson will be the guy that forges their futures, and I’ll do everything I can to help him and help them.”

After his speech, Pop then started to take off his jacket, and then on the t-shirt he was wearing underneath, he said this:

“I’ll have a new job, and I want everybody to understand what that new job is - I’m no longer coach, I’m El Jefe.”

On the back of Popovich’s shirt said the words: Senor Popovich - President of Basketball Operations

“Come on up, Mitch, say a few words. I love this man, he’s going to do a great job,” finished Popovich.