Top Options to Replace Spurs HC Gregg Popovich Following Latest News

The NBA world has been hit with the news that San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich won't be returning to the sidelines this season. Following a stroke that he suffered last year, Popovich has been out recovering but he won't be coming back this year.

Read more: Gregg Popovich Has Made His Decision About Returning to Spurs This Season

The veteran head coach is hopeful to return to the sidelines next season but due to his age, there is always a chance that he calls it a career. If that were to happen, the Spurs would need to find themselves a new head coach for the first time since the 1996–97 season.

If Popovich can't return, here are some names that the Spurs could look to replace the legendary coach with.

5. Mitch Johnson

Johnson has been the interim coach for the Spurs since Popovich's departure, and the team could always let him take over fully. The players seem to like him, and he has kept them afloat.

San Antonio has dealt with a scary injury to star center Victor Wembanyama, which has seen them fall down the standings. If Popovich doesn't return, Johnson is certainly a name to watch in this search.

4. Sam Cassell

Cassell has been looking for a head coaching job in the NBA for some time now and the Spurs could be the place. The former NBA guard is known for his hard-nosed approach and the Spurs seem ready to take that next step into contention.

San Antonio could be the perfect place for Cassell to get his opportunity, especially with a talent like Wembanyama to work with.

3. Adrian Griffin

The former Milwaukee Bucks coach never got a fair shake, but his next chance could be coming. San Antonio could be the perfect landing spot, as the Spurs are a young team on the rise.

Griffin has been a well-respected assistant for years and is known for his defensive approach to team-building. This could be a nice match between the two sides.

2. Mike Brown

The recently fired Sacramento Kings head coach could be a name to watch. Brown is very respected around the NBA and he did well with the Kings.

Brown could lead this young Spurs team forward and help turn them into a contender. The roster needs some work but Brown has been known for his ability to do more with less over his career.

1. Becky Hammon

Hammon was an assistant under Popovich for a long time before she took the head coaching job of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Popovich has spoken highly of her abilities and many thought she was being groomed to take over for the legend once he called it quits.

It would be a full circle moment for Hammon and she would likely welcome the chance to return to San Antonio.

More NBA news:

What Victor Wembanyama's Injury Means for Spurs' Future

Notable NBA Players Who Suffered Same Injury as Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.