The San Antonio Spurs are officially promoting Mitch Johnson to the role of head coach, marking a significant yet stable transition in the organization’s leadership.
Johnson, who has spent the past decade embedded in the Spurs’ system, has long been considered a natural successor to Gregg Popovich. After stepping in as interim head coach following Popovich’s stroke earlier this season, Johnson now formally assumes the top job.
By making this internal promotion, the Spurs are choosing to preserve the culture, continuity, and identity that have defined the franchise for decades.
This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to the long-standing framework established by Popovich, CEO RC Buford, and general manager Brian Wright – all of whom have worked closely with Johnson since his hiring in 2016.
Charania notes that Johnson’s appointment aligns with the Spurs’ vision of long-term consistency, as he represents a direct extension of the leadership principles and basketball philosophy that brought the team five NBA championships under Popovich.
By choosing Johnson as the organization’s new coach, the Spurs maintain the continuity and through-line laid out by Popovich and CEO RC Buford, as well as general manager Brian Wright, who was hired in the same 2016 offseason as Johnson. https://t.co/NrpwWKc8xT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025
