In a significant moment before addressing the media on Monday at Intuit Dome, San Antonio Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson expressed the profound impact of Gregg Popovich on the franchise. This statement came in light of the team’s announcement of Popovich’s indefinite absence due to a health scare he experienced on Saturday at the Frost Bank Center.
Johnson emphasized, “He’ll be OK, and we can’t wait to have him back,” providing reassurance to fans and players alike regarding the legendary coach’s recovery.
However, the Spurs are navigating uncertain territory, as Popovich’s absence for consecutive games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers marks a rare occurrence; it is now tied for the most consecutive games he has missed during the regular season. Looking ahead, the Spurs are set to face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, a match that Popovich will not attend.
With the forthcoming game against Houston, it will tie the record for his longest stretch of absences, extending either in the regular season or in playoff scenarios.
Sources shared with ESPN’s Shams Charania that 39-year-old Johnson will maintain his role as head coach during Popovich’s recovery. As the organization diligently assesses the health of its leader behind the scenes, the long-term implications remain ambiguous, as there is currently no established contingency plan in place.
The team is refraining from providing official updates regarding Popovich’s condition, including any anticipated timeline for his return, prioritizing respect for the coach’s privacy. While the precise nature of Popovich’s health issue remains unclear, insiders revealed that he is recuperating at home.
After a conversation with Popovich on Sunday, Johnson noted that “he’s in good spirits,” reflecting a positive outlook amid challenging circumstances.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is in his 29th season with the team. He is the NBA’s career wins leader (1,390), which includes 170 playoff victories and five championships. Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images
What have the Spurs done in the past when Pop was sick or otherwise absent?
Traditionally, whenever Popovich has taken time off due to illness or other reasons, the Spurs have relied on assistant coaches to seamlessly step in and manage the team. This historical approach typically saw the assistant coach who had been scouting the upcoming opponent take on the coaching duties.
Past fill-ins have included notable figures like Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, and former Spurs star Tim Duncan, all of whom have successfully taken the helm during Popovich’s absences. This time, however, the Spurs have swiftly designated Johnson as Popovich’s successor during this challenging period. Johnson had previously guided the team in March 2023 to a victory over the Indiana Pacers while Popovich was indisposed due to illness.
Additionally, he filled in for the esteemed coach in 2021 while Popovich attended the Hall of Fame induction of Tim Duncan. Johnson remarked, “This has happened a few times. My role is different. I’ve coached summer league before. I’ve been behind the bench. I’ve been in the G League. All those things help the organization.”
Mitch Johnson is 1-1 as interim coach of the San Antonio Spurs this season. He will coach his third game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo
Who is Mitch Johnson, the Spurs’ current interim coach?
At just 37, Mitch Johnson has swiftly ascended the coaching ranks since joining the Spurs organization as an assistant with the Austin Spurs in 2016. His impressive trajectory has led many NBA insiders to predict that he could secure a head coaching position this season, bolstered by his strong showing in interviews for various teams.
As the son of former NBA All-Star John Johnson, Mitch began his coaching career with the G League affiliate in Austin, contributing to a championship win in 2018 before transitioning to Popovich’s staff in 2019. His collegiate basketball career at Stanford showcased his talent, where he averaged over 5 points and 4 assists per game, culminating in two NCAA tournament appearances.
What other assistants are on the Spurs’ bench?
Brown spent nine years as an assistant under Popovich in San Antonio before leaving in 2013 to become head coach of the 76ers. Brown returned in 2022 as an assistant, focused on player development. The club originally hired him in 2002 to help with the development of future Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili.
In recent years, sources indicate Johnson and Nielsen have taken the lead on much of San Antonio’s film study, a responsibility Popovich has gradually redistributed to his assistants. Additionally, Nielsen enriched his coaching experience by serving as head coach for San Antonio’s Summer League team leading into Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season.
**Interview with Michael C. Wright, ESPN Staff Writer**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Michael! Let’s dive into the situation with San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Can you first tell us a bit about the current state of the team with Popovich out indefinitely?
**Michael C. Wright:** Absolutely. As you know, Popovich has been a cornerstone of the Spurs organization for nearly three decades. His indefinite absence due to a health scare is a significant moment not just for the team but for the entire league. Interim coach Mitch Johnson has expressed optimism about Pop’s recovery, stating, ”He’ll be OK, and we can’t wait to have him back.” This positive sentiment is crucial for both players and fans during this challenging time.
**Interviewer:** That’s reassuring to hear. How has the team adjusted to Popovich’s absence in the past, and what makes this situation unique?
**Michael C. Wright:** Traditionally, when Popovich was unavailable, the Spurs have relied on assistant coaches who often stepped in seamlessly. Figures like Mike Budenholzer and Becky Hammon have filled in admirably during previous absences. This time around, however, Johnson has been specifically appointed to take over, which marks a more structured approach. It’s also noteworthy that this will tie for the longest stretch Pop has missed during the regular season, which reflects the seriousness of the situation.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Johnson, what’s his history with the Spurs, and how prepared is he to lead the team during this transition?
**Michael C. Wright:** Mitch Johnson has been with the Spurs system for quite some time, having coaching experience with their summer league team and previously stepping in during Popovich’s absences. He even led the Spurs to victory over the Indiana Pacers in March 2023 when Pop was ill. His familiarity with the team dynamics and strategy puts him in a great position to lead effectively during this period.
**Interviewer:** How have the Spurs addressed Popovich’s health issue with the public?
**Michael C. Wright:** The Spurs organization has opted to respect Popovich’s privacy, refraining from sharing detailed updates or a timeline for his return. While this can be challenging for fans, it reflects the team’s commitment to what’s best for Popovich. They have shared that he is recuperating at home and is in good spirits, which is a positive sign.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michael, for your insights on this important topic. It’ll be interesting to see how the Spurs navigate this period without one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.
**Michael C. Wright:** My pleasure. It’s definitely a pivotal moment for the Spurs, and it will be interesting to see how both the team and fans respond as they rally around Johnson during this transitional time.
