After 29 seasons and a record 1,422 wins, Gregg Popovich is retiring from his on-court presence. At 76, the NBA legend is trading in his clipboard for a new role as the San Antonio Spurs’ Team President. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news, also confirming that assistant coach Mitch Johnson will officially take over. And while Pop’s quiet exit may have surprised some, the league immediately rippled with reactions.
Naturally, this isn’t just another coach retiring. With 1,422 regular-season wins and five NBA titles under his belt, he redefined what longevity and consistency in the league look like. From grooming Hall-of-Famers to nurturing low-key draft picks into stars, Pop turned the Spurs into a dynasty. Pop has coached the likes of Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and David Robinson along the way.
Speaking of former Spurs, Pau Gasol was one of the first to show love. The Hall-of-Fame big man, who spent three seasons with San Antonio, didn’t hold back his respect. “It was an honor to learn from your knowledge and your love of basketball. Happy to see you stay with @spurs doing what you enjoy, Coach,” he wrote on X. And given Gasol’s solid numbers during that time—10.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists—it’s clear the feeling was mutual.
Meanwhile, Kevin Garnett kept it short and sweet, writing, “Shout out to Pop… hell of a coaching career! .” But it was Eddie Johnson who went deeper, laying out exactly why Pop’s success was no accident. Johnson recalled how Popovich navigated the transition from David Robinson to Tim Duncan, saying, “He goes out and he understands that Robinson now may be getting a little older… then, you know, you go, you turn it over to who? Tim Duncan.”
Shout out to Pop… hell of a coaching career!
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) May 2, 2025
More importantly, Johnson pointed out Pop’s leadership in managing egos. “He convinced David Robinson to be allowed to do that… and guess what? It got him a championship.” He also highlighted Pop’s eye for overlooked talent, turning “Tony Parker, 28th pick in the draft… Manu Ginobili, 57th player taken” into Hall of Famers. That’s not luck—that’s vision.
Not only that, rising star Victor Wembanyama chimed in. “29 years. Coach, thank you for your wisdom, for your leadership, for the culture you created… but most importantly for being a great and inspiring person,” he posted. Wemby, the future of the franchise, called it an “honor” to be part of Pop’s final chapter. He ended the message with a fitting GOAT emoji.
Finally, Steve Kerr, Pop’s former player and longtime admirer, showed his gratitude before Game 6—literally wearing a Popovich shirt. “I just want to say thank you to Pop and to the Spurs organization for everything that they meant to me and my career,” Kerr said. He added, “The number of people Pop has influenced, the number of coaches in his coaching tree, it’s just incredible.”
And just like that, an era ends—but the legacy? That’s forever.
What’s next for the Spurs without Coach Pop?
Well, it didn’t take long for San Antonio to turn the page. Just about an hour after news broke that Gregg Popovich would be stepping away from coaching, the Spurs wasted no time naming his successor. Mitch Johnson—longtime assistant and now the franchise’s 19th head coach—is officially taking the reins.
“We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,” said Managing Partner Peter J. Holt. “Throughout his decade in the organization, we have seen that Mitch has the right values, poise, and potential to lead us into the future.”
To be fair, Johnson’s been in the trenches. He got his start in 2016 with the Austin Spurs, helping guide them to a G League title in 2018. From there, he earned a seat on Pop’s bench for six seasons, eventually stepping in as acting head coach when Popovich suffered a health scare. He compiled a 32–45 mark over 77 games—enough to earn the franchise’s confidence.
Managing Partner Peter J. Holt lauded Johnson’s “values, poise, and potential to lead us into the future,” emphasizing the front office’s desire for continuity in culture and process. Johnson inherits a Spurs roster headlined by Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick of 2023, whose measured development under Pop allowed San Antonio to accumulate high-value draft capital. That includes the No. 4 pick used on Stephon Castle last June.
Sept 27, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during media day at the Spurs practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Wembanyama and All‑Star De’Aaron Fox have already expressed “great rapport” with Johnson. Both have praised his communication style, signaling that the Spurs expect to avoid a jarring system overhaul. Strategically, Johnson is tasked with blending Pop’s defense‑first ethos with a faster, positionless attack that leverages Wembanyama’s unmatched two‑way skill set. It’s a formula that could very well set the Spurs up for playoff competition next year.
Perhaps most important, Mitchell’s ascension embodies the Spurs’ famed “spirit of ’06” culture. Promoting from within, valuing process over flash, and trusting in developmental timelines—principles that won five titles under Pop.
Between Wemby in the paint, Fox’s veteran spark, and Stephon Castle rising fast, this young trio has fans dreaming big. The Popovich era may be over, but the Spurs are ready for the next chapter.
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