How Can San Antonio Spurs’ New Head Coach Mitch Johnson Carry Gregg Popovich’s Legacy Forward

As Gregg Popovich pulled curtains on his coaching career after 29 seasons, the San Antonio Spurs announced that Mitch Johnson, who filled in as an interim coach during former’s illness, will take over the role full-time. Popovich is regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches, and has had a glittering career with five championships as well as a record 1,422 wins. 

The NBA’s all-time winningest coach, Popovich, was sidelined for most of the season after he suffered a mild stroke last November. Ever since, there were whispers whether or not he would return to take the franchise from where he left, Now, Popovich has transitioned to the role of president of basketball operations, and Johnson will succeed him as the 19th head coach.

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

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Dawn Of New Era in San Antonio As Mitch Johnson Becomes 19th Head Coach

Popovich became a part of the franchise as an assistant coach in 1988. He was associated with it for 37 years as a coach and executive. While he had spent two years with the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach, the 76-year-old was a part of the Spurs for almost all his career. He is regarded as one of the most beloved figures across the sport. Needless to say, Johnson has a lot of pressure as he steps into his shoes. 

It is to be seen if he would be able to keep up with the legacy that was built on resilience and honor the achievements Popovich brought to the franchise, all while creating his own unique path for the future. 

Johnson began his coaching career in 2016 with San Antonio Spurs’ G League affiliate, Austin Spurs as an assistant coach. With him, the team went on to win the G League Championship in 2018. Later in 2019, he moved to the NBA when he was hired as an assistant coach for Popovich. He was promoted to be a full-time assistant coach in 2020. 

Before taking over as an interim coach due to Popovich’s illness, Johnson acted as a head coach for the Spurs’ NBA Summer League teams in 2022 and 2023, which allowed him to gain the experience of managing a team. When the 38-year-old took over as interim coach for 77 games this past season, he recorded a tally of 32-45. 

As he takes on his new role, Johnson will try to maintain the system and culture that Popovich has built in the franchise for nearly three decades. After being promoted, he said, “I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.” As he takes on the new role, the Seattle-born would aim to carry-forward the legacy of leadership and success which won’t only serve as a motivation but also a standard for future achievements.

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