The San Antonio Spurs have confirmed that Gregg Popovich will not return to the bench for the remainder of the season, officially handing over head coaching duties to assistant Mitch Johnson. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, as Popovich, a five-time NBA champion and the winningest coach in league history, steps away from his role for the time being.
While details regarding Popovich’s absence remain limited, sources indicate that this move was made with the long-term vision of the team in mind. Popovich, 75, has been the Spurs’ head coach since 1996, shaping the organization into a dynasty that dominated the 2000s and early 2010s. His leadership has been instrumental in the development of generations of players, including Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, and now, rising star Victor Wembanyama.
Mitch Johnson, who has been with the Spurs’ coaching staff since 2016, has been serving as the acting head coach in recent games. Now, with the official title, Johnson will lead the team for the remainder of the season. The 36-year-old has been praised for his ability to connect with younger players, a crucial factor in the Spurs’ rebuilding process.
“We trust Mitch to guide this team forward,” a Spurs spokesperson stated. “He has spent years under Coach Pop’s leadership and has proven himself as a capable leader.”
Johnson takes over a young Spurs squad currently focused on developing their core talent. With Wembanyama as the centerpiece, his coaching style and strategic approach will be closely watched as the franchise builds toward future success.
As for Popovich, his future with the team remains uncertain. While there has been no indication that this marks his official retirement, his absence leaves a major question mark regarding the long-term direction of the Spurs’ coaching staff.
For now, Mitch Johnson steps into a historic role, aiming to leave his mark on the franchise as it moves into a new era.
The San Antonio Spurs have confirmed that Gregg Popovich will not return to the bench for the remainder of the season, officially handing over head coaching duties to assistant Mitch Johnson. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, as Popovich, a five-time NBA champion and the winningest coach in league history, steps away from his role for the time being.
While details regarding Popovich’s absence remain limited, sources indicate that this move was made with the long-term vision of the team in mind. Popovich, 75, has been the Spurs’ head coach since 1996, shaping the organization into a dynasty that dominated the 2000s and early 2010s. His leadership has been instrumental in the development of generations of players, including Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, and now, rising star Victor Wembanyama.
Mitch Johnson, who has been with the Spurs’ coaching staff since 2016, has been serving as the acting head coach in recent games. Now, with the official title, Johnson will lead the team for the remainder of the season. The 36-year-old has been praised for his ability to connect with younger players, a crucial factor in the Spurs’ rebuilding process.
“We trust Mitch to guide this team forward,” a Spurs spokesperson stated. “He has spent years under Coach Pop’s leadership and has proven himself as a capable leader.”
Johnson takes over a young Spurs squad currently focused on developing their core talent. With Wembanyama as the centerpiece, his coaching style and strategic approach will be closely watched as the franchise builds toward future success.
As for Popovich, his future with the team remains uncertain. While there has been no indication that this marks his official retirement, his absence leaves a major question mark regarding the long-term direction of the Spurs’ coaching staff.
For now, Mitch Johnson steps into a historic role, aiming to leave his mark on the franchise as it moves into a new era.
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