Gregg Popovich out; Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson leads

Gregg Popovich encountered a health setback just before the San Antonio Spurs game on Saturday, leading to his indefinite absence from the team. During this time, assistant coach Mitch Johnson is expected to step in as the interim head coach, managing the Spurs in Popovich’s stead.

Popovich will miss at least the next two games: Monday’s matchup against the LA Clippers and Wednesday’s game versus the Houston Rockets, with further absences possible depending on his recovery.

Mitch Johnson brings his own experience to the role. He played college basketball at Stanford and went on to have a professional career in the G League and across Europe, which contributed to his understanding of the game from both a player’s and a coach’s perspective.

Johnson joined the Spurs as an assistant coach in 2016 and, after several seasons of growing responsibilities, earned a prominent role on the front bench in 2020. Now, he faces a significant opportunity to lead the team as the acting head coach in Popovich’s absence.