Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Head Coach, Mitch Johnson Promoted

Gregg Popovich is stepping down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 29 seasons and five NBA championships, marking the end of an era for both the franchise and the league. Popovich, who holds the record for most regular-season wins in NBA history and led the Spurs to 22 consecutive playoff appearances, will transition to a new role as president of basketball operations. The announcement has drawn emotional reactions from former and current players, such as Danny Green and Draymond Green, who praised Popovich's profound influence on their careers and the league's culture. Fans and team officials alike have expressed gratitude for his legacy, highlighting not only his strategic brilliance but also his personal mentorship and warmth. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson, who filled in during Popovich's illness this past season, will now take over as the Spurs' new head coach, ushering in a new era for the team. Johnson, regarded as a product of Popovich's system, is viewed with optimism by fans, who acknowledge the significance of the transition while expressing hope for the future.