San Antonio TX, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Following the retirement of Gregg Popovich, Mitch Johnson has been appointed the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. The team’s offseason initiatives will focus on strengthening player health, with an emphasis on the development of Victor Wembanyama after his recovery from injury. Johnson aims to blend new strategies with aspects of Popovich’s legacy while striving to end a six-year playoff drought.
San Antonio — Mitch Johnson has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement, and the team’s offseason planning centers on Victor Wembanyama, improving overall team health, and ending a six-year playoff drought.
What happened
Mitch Johnson assumes full-time leadership after serving as an interim head coach and as a long-time assistant. The Spurs are prioritizing the recovery and integration of Victor Wembanyama following a medical pause in his development, while also retooling the coaching staff and implementing a modified game plan designed to protect player health and accelerate the team’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Key supporting details
Mitch Johnson has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement. Johnson has been part of the Spurs coaching staff for nearly a decade and previously served as an interim head coach after Popovich stepped down due to health issues. During his interim tenure, Johnson compiled a record of 32-45 while navigating a roster that was frequently affected by injuries.
Johnson has implemented a new game plan distinct from what was used during his interim season, albeit retaining key elements from Popovich’s approach. The coaching staff additions named by the organization include Corliss Williamson and Sean Sweeney, signaling a mix of continuity and new voices on the bench. Players have expressed confidence in the coaching transition and have rallied behind Johnson’s direction.
Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 superstar, is seen as a critical piece in the Spurs’ quest for contention in the Western Conference. Wembanyama recently returned to basketball after recovering from a bout of deep vein thrombosis, which ended his second NBA season prematurely. His recovery and preparation over the summer were notable for a mix of unconventional experiences that included training with Shaolin monks in China and touring NASA’s Johnson Space Center, activities the team describes as part of a broader personal development period.
Three preseason games into the season, Wembanyama has demonstrated improved passing skills and court awareness, particularly with the addition of new teammates like Luke Kornet. Teammates such as Jeremy Sochan and Carter Bryant have publicly expressed confidence in Wembanyama’s ability to impact the team this season. The Spurs organization is positioning Wembanyama as a central on-court leader and offensive fulcrum while managing his minutes and health carefully.
Johnson intends for the Spurs to reflect Wembanyama’s qualities, stating that Wembanyama is the team’s best player and primary focus. Popovich continues to contribute to the Spurs in his role as president of basketball operations, providing mentorship and strategic input from the organization’s front office.
Context and challenges
Johnson’s interim coaching record of 32-45 came during a season marked by significant injuries and limited continuity. The Spurs enter the season aiming to build on foundational defensive principles while incorporating offensive schemes that better showcase Wembanyama’s passing and shot-creation. Team health, load management, and depth chart stability are emphasized as key priorities to navigate a competitive Western Conference and to arrest a six-year absence from postseason play.
What to watch this season
- How the new coaching game plan blends Popovich-era principles with Johnson’s adjustments.
- Wembanyama’s minutes, conditioning, and progression in playmaking during the regular season after early preseason signs of improved court awareness.
- The impact of assistant coaches Corliss Williamson and Sean Sweeney on player development and in-game strategy.
- Whether the Spurs can translate offseason progress into consistent results and end the six-year playoff drought.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Mitch Johnson has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement. |
| Interim record | 32-45 |
| Key assistant hires | Corliss Williamson and Sean Sweeney |
| Primary player focus | Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 superstar |
| Medical context | Wembanyama has recently returned to basketball after recovering from a bout of deep vein thrombosis |
| Organizational leadership | Gregg Popovich continues as president of basketball operations |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| After Gregg Popovich’s retirement | Mitch Johnson has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement. | Confirmed |
| Interim season | Johnson’s interim coaching record was 32-45, with significant challenges, including a roster largely affected by injuries. | Confirmed |
| Second NBA season (ended prematurely) | Wembanyama has recently returned to basketball after recovering from a bout of deep vein thrombosis, which ended his second NBA season prematurely. | Confirmed |
| Offseason | Wembanyama’s recovery included an unusual summer where he trained with Shaolin monks in China and toured NASA’s Johnson Space Center. | Confirmed |
| Three preseason games into the season | Three preseason games into the season, Wembanyama has demonstrated improved passing skills and court awareness, particularly with the addition of new teammates like Luke Kornet. | Confirmed |
Simple statistics and visualizations
Interim coaching record (wins vs losses)
Playoff drought
FAQ
Who has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement?
Mitch Johnson has taken over as the full-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs following Gregg Popovich’s retirement.
What is Mitch Johnson’s interim coaching record and context?
Johnson’s interim coaching record was 32-45, with significant challenges, including a roster largely affected by injuries.
Which assistant coaches have been hired by Johnson?
Notable assistant coaches hired by Johnson include Corliss Williamson and Sean Sweeney.
What is the status of Victor Wembanyama’s health and recent activities?
Wembanyama has recently returned to basketball after recovering from a bout of deep vein thrombosis, which ended his second NBA season prematurely.
What unusual activities did Wembanyama undertake during his recovery?
Wembanyama’s recovery included an unusual summer where he trained with Shaolin monks in China and toured NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
How has Wembanyama performed in the preseason?
Three preseason games into the season, Wembanyama has demonstrated improved passing skills and court awareness, particularly with the addition of new teammates like Luke Kornet.
What is the Spurs’ immediate organizational goal?
The Spurs are focused on ending a six-year playoff drought and view Wembanyama as key to achieving this goal.
What role does Gregg Popovich continue to play with the Spurs?
Popovich continues to contribute to the Spurs in his role as president of basketball operations, offering mentorship from the sidelines.
What is Johnson’s stated focus regarding Wembanyama?
Johnson intends for the Spurs to reflect Wembanyama’s qualities, stating that Wembanyama is the team’s best player and primary focus.
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Additional Resources
- Air Alamo: Mitch Johnson Disrespected
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- ESPN: Popovich Done Coaching
- Google Search: Victor Wembanyama
- News 4 San Antonio: Johnson Succeeds Popovich
- Google Scholar: Gregg Popovich
- NBA: Mitch Johnson Post Game
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- Heavy: Keldon Johnson on Popovich Appearance
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs
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