With Gregg Popovich officially stepping away from his head coaching duties, longtime assistant Mitch Johnson is widely expected to be named the next full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, according to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Sources around the league indicate there is a “strong expectation” within the organization and beyond that, Johnson will take the reins following Popovich’s transition to a full-time front office role as Team President.
Johnson, who has been part of the Spurs’ coaching staff for several years, was thrust into the interim head coach role in November 2024 after Popovich suffered a mild stroke early in the season.
During that time, Johnson earned praise for his poise, basketball acumen, and ability to maintain the Spurs’ competitive culture during a transitional period.
A former point guard at Stanford University, Johnson is highly regarded within NBA coaching circles and has been viewed as a rising star in the profession.
His growing reputation was underscored when he was interviewed for the Toronto Raptors’ head coaching position in 2023 – a sign that other franchises also recognized his leadership potential and coaching intelligence.
If confirmed, Johnson would become the next steward of the Spurs’ legacy, carrying forward the philosophies and culture built under Popovich, while adding his own imprint to the next chapter of the franchise.
Mitch Johnson Expected To Be Named Head Coach Of Spurs https://t.co/3nO6GxjWvi
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 2, 2025
