Mitch Johnson succeeds Gregg Popovich as new head coach of San Antonio Spurs, sources say

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs have named assistant coach Mitch Johnson as the franchise’s next head coach, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Johnson, who has been a part of the Spurs’ coaching staff for a decade, stepped in as interim head coach in November after Gregg Popovich stepped away after suffering a stroke. Now, after proving his leadership, Johnson will take over full-time as Popovich’s successor.

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Johnson joined the Spurs organization in 2019, and worked with the Spurs G League team in Austin from 2016 to 2019. He took over the Spurs on Nov. 2 after Popovich suffered a mild stroke. Johnson finished with a 31-45 record on a season that also saw superstar Victor Wembanyama’s season end in February due to a blood clot in his shoulder.

Known for his deep understanding of the Spurs’ system and player development, Johnson will look to continue the team’s legacy of success while navigating a new era for the organization.