Mitch Johnson, most recently head coach of the Austin Spurs, is now the permanent San Antonio Spurs’ head coach. His appointment was an unexpected outcome in a transitional process that began when Gregg Popovich had a mild stroke in November. Johnson spent the previous six seasons as Popovich’s assistant coach and heir apparent on the Spurs’ bench. He moved up through the organization at a rapid pace, earning this important NFL distinction. The Spurs’ decision reflects both the trust in Johnson’s capabilities and the need for stability within the team during this challenging time.
Gregg Popovich, a legendary figure in the coaching world, believed in nurturing talent like Johnson, identifying promising assistants and providing them with opportunities to grow. Johnson’s rapid ascent, coupled with his deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, positions him as a suitable successor to one of the most respected coaches in NBA history.
In his time on the bench, Johnson has earned a reputation for holding players accountable and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence. His leadership has been most on display during moments of pressure, showing his mettle both in-game and off.
Johnson’s Rise Through the Spurs Organization
Moving into his role as head coach, Mitch Johnson’s path has been characterized by steady advancement and accountability. After his promotion to the front of the bench in 2020, he did not let grass grow under his feet. He soon established himself as a crucial member of the coaching staff. Popovich would lean on him for much more than standard assistant fare. He often relied on him to formulate strategies to win the game in those critical late-game huddles.
Johnson’s remarkable feel for the game has accelerated his progress up and down the organization’s chain of command. What truly drives his success is his ability to relate to players. He was given greater levels of responsibility through the years. Along the way, he went to great lengths in training his eventual successor, a sign of his dedication to fostering coaching talent from within the Spurs.
The Spurs’ management recognized Johnson’s potential early on, allowing him to thrive in an environment that encouraged growth and collaboration. Popovich’s confidence in him is at an all-time high. This milestone paves the way for an exciting chapter for both Johnson and the franchise.
A Player with Proven Leadership Skills
Before making the jump into coaching, Mitch Johnson enjoyed an accomplished professional playing career. There, he won two state championships at O’Dea High School in Seattle. As a senior, he led the country in assists and averaged 22 points and eight assists per game. His storied playing career began at Stanford University. There, he was a four-year starter, playing alongside the likes of Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez.
Brook Lopez fondly recalls Johnson’s leadership on and off the court, stating, “Seeing him in the position he’s in now is not a shock. He belongs there.” Lopez particularly called out Johnson’s phenomenal playmaking ability. Specifically, he cited “the way he runs the show and conducts the show” as the key to their success at Stanford.
Johnson’s leadership qualities have been demonstrated further not just by those who shared the chamber with him but under his tutelage. Dejounte Murray, who credits Johnson with helping him turn his life around as a teenager by supporting him academically and athletically, stated, “One thing we said when he came and got me out of juvenile when I was 15 was, ‘We are in this together.’”
A Culture of Accountability and Support
Mitch Johnson’s coaching philosophy is about holding players accountable, but being there to help them improve. He has developed deep bonds with his players, holding them accountable while creating a culture that motivates and inspires. His approach has resonated with many of the Spurs’ young talents, including Victor Wembanyama, who expressed his trust in the organization’s decision-making process.
When the pressure is on—in tough circumstances too long to describe here that include weeklong trips to places like New York and Paris—Johnson’s poise and command never suffers. He’s shown time and time again that he can overcome adversity, which quickly brought him respect from veterans on down to rookie players. One veteran league executive remarked on Johnson’s selflessness during difficult seasons: “He took a lot of losses over the last few years that he didn’t have to take; it was a very unselfish act.”
Johnson looks to continue making his mark as the new head coach. If he can get the team’s collective values right and build on the incredibly positive culture that Gregg Popovich first established, he can right this ship. He has an impressive infrastructure of support behind him. Fueled by a passion for player development and nurturing future stars, he hopes to carry the Spurs’ winning tradition into a new age of prosperity.
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