Popovich Stepping Down: Who’s Taking Over as San Antonio Spurs Head Coach?

NBA fans across the country grew to know the name of Gregg Popovich, but, like all great stories, his streak must come to an end. It was recently announced that 76-year-old Popovich will be stepping down as head coach following a decline in health in recent history, including a stroke he suffered in November 2024.

Popovich's Health and Journey Forward

After suffering the mild stroke which took Popovich off the court for over seven games of the season, he has decided to step away as head coach and take up his full-time role as President of Basketball Operations for the San Antonio Spurs.

Popovich had this to say after the announcement:

While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach.

Popovich was hired as head coach for the San Antonio Spurs back in 1996, and, in his 29-year stretch, he led the Spurs to over 1,422 regular season wins--the most for any coach in NBA history. The closest coach with the second highest wins is Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers with 1,162 wins so far.

Some players, like Center Victor Wembanyama, have taken to social media to express their respect for their record-breaking coach:

He also made the history books as being the oldest coach in the NBA ever at 76 years old. Tie in the three NBA Coach of the Year awards and leading the team to five NBA championships, and you've got yourself a legendary coach.

Who is Taking Over as San Antonio Spurs Head Coach?

Mitch Johnson, 37, will be stepping into the role as head coach while Popovich leaves the throne.

Johnson is quite familiar with the role as he was the acting head coach while Popovich was recovering from his stroke in November. Johnson also served as assistant with the Spurs in some capacity for the past 10 years.

The San Antonio Spurs finished the 2024-2025 regular season at 34 and 48, missing the cutoff for advancing to playoffs.