Succeeds Gregg Popovich Following His Move to President of Basketball Operations

SAN ANTONIO (May 2, 2025) – The San Antonio Spurs officially announced today the appointment of Mitch Johnson as the new head coach of the franchise, marking a new chapter in team history following the transition of Gregg Popovich into the role of president of basketball operations.

Johnson, who served as the Spurs’ acting head coach for the final 77 games of the 2024–25 NBA season, now becomes the 19th head coach in franchise history. His promotion follows Popovich’s departure from the bench after 29 legendary seasons and five NBA championships. The Hall of Famer stepped away from coaching duties due to health reasons early in the season.

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

Johnson, 38, has been a steady presence within the Spurs organization since joining as an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs, the team’s G League affiliate, in 2016. During his tenure there, he helped lead the team to the 2018 G League Championship. He was promoted to the Spurs’ NBA bench in 2017 and has been a front-of-bench assistant coach since 2020.

Prior to joining the Spurs, Johnson spent a season as an assistant coach at the University of Portland and previously coached in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. A former standout point guard at Stanford University, Johnson played alongside future NBA players Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, and Landry Fields. He later played professionally for three years in the G League and in Europe.

A second-generation NBA talent, Johnson is the son of 12-year NBA veteran John Johnson. He and his wife, Jessica, are parents to four children: Tasia, Tatum, Johnnie, and Jameson.

“I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,” Johnson said. “I am thankful for Coach Pop, RC, Brian, and Peter for trusting me to carry on our culture, and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud.”

With the leadership reins now in Johnson’s hands, the Spurs look to usher in a new era while remaining grounded in the culture and tradition that has defined the franchise for decades.