Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Head Coach, Mitch Johnson Promoted

Gregg Popovich, the NBA's all-time winningest coach and a five-time champion, is stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons to become the team's president of basketball operations. Popovich, who suffered a stroke in November 2024 and missed most of the following season, cited a desire to continue serving the organization and community in a new capacity. The Spurs have promoted interim coach Mitch Johnson, who led the team during Popovich's absence, to the full-time head coach position. Johnson, known for his steady presence and alignment with the franchise's values of consistency and intelligence, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to make Spurs fans proud. Popovich's legacy includes not only his coaching records and championships, but also his role in maintaining the Spurs' identity and culture. His departure marks the end of an era in San Antonio, while the franchise looks to the future with its young core under Johnson's leadership.