‘It’s time’: Gregg Popovich passes San Antonio Spurs torch to Mitch Johnson
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Former San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is still recovering from a stroke suffered in November 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SAN ANTONIO – Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on May 5 that his health was improving following a stroke, but added that the time had come for him to pass the reins to assistant Mitch Johnson.
In his first public remarks since his illness in November, NBA icon Popovich appeared at a press conference flanked by former players Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan as he formally introduced Johnson.
The Spurs had announced on May 2 that Popovich was stepping down as head coach after 29 seasons, which included leading San Antonio to five NBA championships.
“I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people, sending me thoughts and prayers since I had this stroke,” he told reporters, speaking slowly and softly.
“Things are getting better by the day but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead, so it’s time to make this change.”
The 76-year-old will remain with the Spurs as team president, a role he jokingly referred to after revealing a slogan on his T-shirt which read “El Jefe” – Spanish for “the boss”.
“I’m no longer coach, I’m El Jefe,” he quipped.
Popovich also said Johnson had his full support to build on his legacy as Spurs coach, adding that the 38-year-old had the backing of the team’s talented young squad.
“One of the reasons that I’m doing this now is that we have to have someone in charge who’s fully capable of giving their very best, because that’s what this group deserves and we have that man here in San Antonio,” he said.
“(He) took over this year and did a fantastic job with circumstances that were very difficult and we saw him in action and he was brilliant. The players respect him, he’ll hold them accountable... I’ll do everything I can to help him.”
Johnson, meanwhile, said he owed his promotion to the example set by Popovich in the decade since he began working with the Spurs organisation.
“Where do I begin? You’ve taught me so many things, led by example in so many ways,” he said of Popovich.
“The players are always first. Attention to detail. Maniacal competitiveness. Play harder and smarter for more of the 48 (minutes) than your opponent.
“(It is) the best thing you’ve ever taught me and you’ve shown me more than you’ve talked about it, you understand the moment and how important every single moment is.
“In this moment, I just would like to say thank you.” AFP
