Spurs name Mitch Johnson as next head coach after Gregg Popovich's move to full-time team president

For the first time in nearly three decades someone other than Gregg Popovich will be the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs On Friday the NBA franchise communicated Mitch Johnson's promotion to head coach The decision came shortly after it was endorsed Popovich would relinquish his head coaching duties and transition to the team's full-time president of basketball operations Popovich has led Spurs basketball operations since balancing his executive role and coaching role for years CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COMJohnson's tenure with the Spurs spans nine years He joined the Spurs' G League affiliate in Austin Texas in He has been a Spurs assistant coach since Johnson was also San Antonio s coach in the NBA Summer League in and Johnson stepped in for Popovich for games during the - season as the five-time NBA champion recovered from what the squad described as a mild stroke IS GREGG POPOVICH THE GREATEST COACH IN NBA HISTORY HIS CAREER BY THE NUMBERS While my love and passion for the challenge remain I ve decided it s time to step away as head coach Popovich stated in a message Friday afternoon I m forever grateful to the wonderful players coaches staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to aid the organization region and city that are so meaningful to me Johnson will be formally introduced Monday in San Antonio When I took the opportunity to join the Austin Spurs over nine years ago I had no idea that opportunity was in front of me Johnson stated at the end of the regular season And so it s sometimes funny how your journey takes you and sometimes the biggest moments can come from the least likely spots We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach Spurs managing partner Peter J Holt revealed Throughout his decade in the organization we have seen that Mitch has the right values poise and anticipated to lead us into the future Spurs star Victor Wembanyama commented when the season ended that he had belief the organization would do the right thing I trust the organization and I also trust Mitch to grow into that role Wembanyama commented So I think we are in good hands Johnson played at Stanford as a four-year starter before playing in the G League and in Europe I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity Johnson noted I am thankful for Coach Pop RC Brian and Peter trusting me to carry on our tradition and I promise to give this responsibility everything I have to make Spurs fans proud The Associated Press contributed to this review Follow Fox News Digital s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter