The San Antonio Spurs have officially named assistant coach Mitch Johnson as their interim head coach following the news that Gregg Popovich will not return for the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to health concerns. The announcement has left many wondering: Is this the end of an era for the legendary coach?
Popovich, 75, suffered a mild stroke in November 2024 and has since been focusing on recovery. Although he has expressed hope of returning to the sidelines in the future, the uncertainty surrounding his health raises questions about whether Spurs fans have seen the last of the NBA’s all-time winningest coach.
In his absence, Mitch Johnson has stepped up as interim head coach. The 37-year-old has been with the Spurs organization since 2016 and has gained the trust of the team. Under his leadership, the young Spurs squad, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, has shown resilience despite facing numerous challenges this season.
Popovich’s impact on the Spurs and the NBA as a whole cannot be overstated. With five NBA championships, a gold medal as head coach of Team USA, and a reputation as one of the greatest minds in basketball history, his legacy is already cemented. However, whether he will add another chapter to his legendary career remains unclear.
The Spurs organization has not yet commented on its long-term coaching plans, but speculation is growing about potential successors should Popovich decide to retire. Former Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, franchise icon Manu Ginóbili, and even active player Chris Paul have been mentioned in discussions.
As San Antonio pushes forward under Johnson, all eyes remain on Popovich and his future decision. Will he return for one final season, or is this truly the end of an era?
For now, the Spurs move forward, but the absence of their legendary leader leaves a cloud of uncertainty over the franchise’s future.
Leave a Reply