‘It’s time’: Gregg Popovich steps down, passes Spurs torch to Mitch Johnson

After 29 iconic seasons and five NBA championships, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down, handing the reins to assistant Mitch Johnson in an emotional press conference on May 5, 2025. The 76-year-old coaching legend made his first public appearance since suffering a stroke in November 2024, flanked by Spurs icons Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and shared heartfelt reflections on his decision, legacy, and belief in Johnson’s future.

Popovich opened the press conference with a moment of gratitude and self-awareness, speaking softly but with clarity.
“I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people caring about the organization and sending me thoughts and prayers, that sort of thing, since I had this stroke,” he said.
“Things are getting better by the day, but it's not good enough for what we plan ahead, so it's time to make this change.”
Popovich suffered a stroke on November 2, 2024, just hours before the Spurs were set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. Johnson took over as acting head coach and led the team through the remaining 77 games of the season.
Popovich added:
“One of the reasons that I’m doing this now is that we have to have someone in charge who’s fully capable of giving their very best because that’s what this group deserves and demands, and we have that man here in San Antonio.”
Despite stepping away from coaching duties, Popovich will remain with the franchise as team president, a role he marked humorously by unveiling a T-shirt that read “El Jefe,” Spanish for “the boss.”
“I’m no longer coach,” he joked. “I’m ‘El Jefe.’”


Mitch Johnson, 38, now assumes one of the NBA’s most revered coaching roles. As he took the podium, Popovich smiled and quipped to the crowd: “He’s going to do a great job.”
Johnson, visibly moved, acknowledged the weight of the moment and the influence Popovich had on his growth.
“I am honored by this opportunity and even more humbled by the people that I’ll be able to partner with and serve,” Johnson said.
Reflecting on what he learned from Popovich, Johnson added:
“Where do I begin? You’ve taught me so many things, led by example in so many ways. The players are always first. Attention to detail. Maniacal competitiveness. Play harder and smarter for more of the 48 (minutes) than your opponent.”
“The best thing you’ve ever taught me and you’ve shown me more than you’ve talked about it, you understand the moment and how important every single moment is. And no moment is like any other. And the discipline that you have to be grounded and present and give yourself to every moment is what I will never forget. In this moment, I just would like to say thank you.”

The press conference, held at the Spurs’ Rock at La Cantera training facility, brought together a who’s who of Spurs history, from franchise legends to current players like Victor Wembanyama. Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt opened the event but was briefly overcome with emotion, struggling to get through his remarks.
Popovich’s comments carried both humor and sentiment. He playfully jabbed at Duncan and Ginobili, who have attended many of his rehab sessions:
“Timmy and Manu have been here for all of my workouts here at the Rock,” he said. “They say it’s because they love me and they want to be there in case I fall and they want to catch me, that sort of thing. I call it payback. They give the rehab people new ideas for things to do to me. They’re not fooling anybody.”
Popovich emphasized that every person in the Spurs organization, from ticket staff to custodians, plays a role in the franchise’s success:
“We all have a part in this. It’s not just the players and the coaches.”

Both Popovich and Johnson stressed continuity. The Spurs’ leadership structure — including CEO R.C. Buford and GM Brian Wright, remains intact. While Popovich's voice may no longer echo from the sidelines, his influence clearly still will.
“That’s the goal, to make sure we keep it going,” Popovich said. “I’ll do everything I can to help Johnson going forward.”
Johnson echoed the sentiment:
“The theme of the book isn’t changing.”