Spurs Announce New Head Coach to Replace Gregg Popovich

The NBA world was shocked when news dropped about longtime coach Gregg Popovich stepping down as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. Popovich has been with the organization for a long time, and now will be transitioning over to a new role.

More news: Gregg Popovich Releases Statement After Stepping Down as HC of Spurs

Due to this news, it leaves a hole in the Spurs' coaching staff. But it seems that the Spurs have found the person to lead them going forward.

San Antonio is hiring assistant Mitch Johnson to take over as the next head coach of the franchise. Johnson replaced Popovich on the sidelines this season, and the organization seems to have liked the job that he did.

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media.

Johnson was given an almost impossible task when he took over for Popovich during the season. But he was able to allow the Spurs to have some new life, even if the roster wasn't fully ready to compete just yet.

Under Johnson, San Antonio went 32-45, once again missing the postseason. But the team was also missing star center Victor Wembanyama for a good portion of the second half following a scary blood clot issue.

More news: Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama Shockingly Done for Season with Scary Injury

Johnson didn't let this news get the team down, and he continued to work each day, ultimately helping his case to earn the job full-time. After the season was over, Johnson spoke about the experience he gained from the role.

"It's been a heck of an experience," said Johnson during his final interview of the season. "There's no way to predict any season in this league. Too long, too much happens, too many circumstances, but for me, the experiences have been one-of-one for a ton of reasons, and that will stay with me forever and I'm forever grateful for that."

If Wembanyama can make a full return, the Spurs could be a player in the Western Conference next season. San Antonio added star guard De'Aaron Fox at the trade deadline, giving themselves a nice duo to work with.

Johnson will have some big shoes to fill, but he seems up for the challenge. San Antonio wants to get back to the postseason next year, and if they remain healthy, there is a real chance of it happening.

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