Mitch Johnson has been promoted to head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, succeeding Gregg Popovich who will now focus on his role as the team's president of basketball operations. Johnson, who unexpectedly took over as interim coach midway through the season, led the team for 77 games after Popovich suffered a stroke. His promotion underscores the Spurs' emphasis on continuity, as Johnson has been part of the organization for nearly a decade. The decision was supported by leadership figures such as Spurs Sports and Entertainment CEO R.C. Buford, managing partner Peter J. Holt, and general manager Brian Wright, as well as players like Victor Wembanyama. Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the trust placed in him to uphold the Spurs' culture and legacy.

Mitch Johnson has been named the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, succeeding the long-tenured Gregg Popovich, who will now focus solely on his role as president of basketball operations.

Johnson's unexpected rise to the head coach position came after he served as the interim coach for 77 games during the season, following Popovich's stroke on November 2, which required him to step in with little notice.

The Spurs organization values continuity, and Johnson's decade-long tenure with the team reflects the franchise's commitment to maintaining its established culture and methods.

San Antonio's leadership, including R.C. Buford, Peter J. Holt, and Brian Wright, acknowledged Johnson's poise, values, and potential as key reasons for his promotion, while star player Victor Wembanyama expressed confidence in Johnson's ability to grow into the role.

Johnson's career with the Spurs began with their G League affiliate in Austin, and he later served as San Antonio's coach in the NBA Summer League, demonstrating his capability under Popovich's watchful eye.

Before joining the Spurs, Johnson had a background in playing and coaching, having been a four-year starter at Stanford and playing professionally in the G League and in Europe.

Mitch Johnson expressed his gratitude for the promotion and the trust placed in him by the team's leadership, promising to dedicate himself to making Spurs fans proud and continuing the legacy of the organization.