Popovich addresses media at press conference introducing new Spurs coach
Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead. With that embrace, the official passing of the torch occurred, ushering in a new era in San Antonio. During a news conference on Monday, Popovich...
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Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead.
With that embrace, the official passing of the torch occurred, ushering in a new era in San Antonio.
During a news conference on Monday, Popovich addressed the public for the first time since experiencing a stroke six months earlier. He explained that the timing was right for the transition as the Spurs introduced Johnson as his successor.
"Things are getting better by the day, but it's not good enough for what we plan ahead,” Popovich stated. "So, it's time to make this change."
Positioned at a lectern alongside Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old Popovich spoke more softly than usual, affirming that his health is on the upswing and expressing his complete confidence in Johnson.
Popovich will continue with the Spurs in the role of team president, while the leadership structure—comprised of CEO R. C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright—will remain intact. He emphasized that the organization's core values would not change.
"That's the goal, to make sure we keep it going," Popovich added, indicating his commitment to support Johnson in his new role.
Before introducing Johnson at the podium, Popovich removed his jacket, revealing a T-shirt that read "El jefe," which translates to "the boss."
"I'm no longer coach," he remarked. "I'm 'El Jefe.'"
Popovich’s appearance at the event came as a surprise to many. Surrounded by a host of Spurs legends, with Victor Wembanyama leading the group, Popovich arrived at the practice facility just ahead of managing partner Peter J. Holt, who began the news conference.
Holt, visibly emotional, had difficulty expressing his thoughts at certain moments.
"I can't be him or 'El Jefe'," Johnson remarked when asked what he would take away from Popovich. "But to be able to commit and invest in people and relationships—that can be having to yell and hold someone accountable, and that can be to put your arm around someone's shoulder and love them—and he did it better than anybody that's ever walked the sidelines. And I will attempt to do it my way, whatever that looks like going forward."
Popovich, the NBA's all-time wins leader and a coach with the Spurs since 1996, who achieved five NBA championships during his tenure, spoke for about seven minutes, starting with a few jokes, a signature aspect of his persona.
He also took a reflective turn, showing signs of emotion as he recalled the stroke he suffered on November 2, just hours before the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves that evening. Johnson stepped in as the acting coach for the remaining 77 games of the season, with his official promotion announced on Friday.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
With that embrace, the official passing of the torch occurred, ushering in a new era in San Antonio.
During a news conference on Monday, Popovich addressed the public for the first time since experiencing a stroke six months earlier. He explained that the timing was right for the transition as the Spurs introduced Johnson as his successor.
"Things are getting better by the day, but it's not good enough for what we plan ahead,” Popovich stated. "So, it's time to make this change."
Positioned at a lectern alongside Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old Popovich spoke more softly than usual, affirming that his health is on the upswing and expressing his complete confidence in Johnson.
Popovich will continue with the Spurs in the role of team president, while the leadership structure—comprised of CEO R. C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright—will remain intact. He emphasized that the organization's core values would not change.
"That's the goal, to make sure we keep it going," Popovich added, indicating his commitment to support Johnson in his new role.
Before introducing Johnson at the podium, Popovich removed his jacket, revealing a T-shirt that read "El jefe," which translates to "the boss."
"I'm no longer coach," he remarked. "I'm 'El Jefe.'"
Popovich’s appearance at the event came as a surprise to many. Surrounded by a host of Spurs legends, with Victor Wembanyama leading the group, Popovich arrived at the practice facility just ahead of managing partner Peter J. Holt, who began the news conference.
Holt, visibly emotional, had difficulty expressing his thoughts at certain moments.
"I can't be him or 'El Jefe'," Johnson remarked when asked what he would take away from Popovich. "But to be able to commit and invest in people and relationships—that can be having to yell and hold someone accountable, and that can be to put your arm around someone's shoulder and love them—and he did it better than anybody that's ever walked the sidelines. And I will attempt to do it my way, whatever that looks like going forward."
Popovich, the NBA's all-time wins leader and a coach with the Spurs since 1996, who achieved five NBA championships during his tenure, spoke for about seven minutes, starting with a few jokes, a signature aspect of his persona.
He also took a reflective turn, showing signs of emotion as he recalled the stroke he suffered on November 2, just hours before the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves that evening. Johnson stepped in as the acting coach for the remaining 77 games of the season, with his official promotion announced on Friday.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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