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Gregg Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying that the time was right to step down from his role as San Antonio Spurs head coach.
“Things are getting better by the day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead,” Popovich said. “So, it’s time to make this change.”
Flanked by Spurs greats Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old Popovich – speaking far more softly than he has in the past – said his health is improving and that he fully believes in Mitch Johnson, who will replace him as the team’s coach.
Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, and the leadership of the team – including CEO RC Buford and general manager Brian Wright – isn’t changing. Nor will the team’s ideals, Popovich said.
“That’s the goal, to make sure we keep it going,” Popovich said, adding that he will do everything he can to help Johnson going forward.
“I’m no longer coach,” Popovich said. “I’m ‘El Jefe.’”
Johnson looked in Popovich’s direction as he began his remarks, and took a deep breath. “I am honored by this opportunity and even more humbled by the people that I’ll be able to partner with and serve,” he said.
When Johnson thanked his wife Jessica and their four children for their love and support, Popovich – listening from a seat in the front row with Ginobili and Duncan on either side – teared up. Ginobili leaned over, whispered something and patted Popovich on the leg. Duncan immediately did the same.
Some physical manifestations of the stroke were present. Duncan carried a cane, presumably just in case Popovich – who walked slowly, but without support – needed it. But his trademark wit was still there, on show when Popovich offered an answer about what Johnson had learned as his assistant.
“No technical fouls,” Popovich said.
Popovich’s public appearance was a bit of a surprise. Surrounded by a slew of Spurs past and present – Victor Wembanyama leading the way – Popovich walked into the practice facility shortly before the team’s managing partner, Peter J Holt, spoke to open the news conference.
Holt struggled to get words out at times, the emotion of the day very clear.
“I can’t be him or ‘El Jefe,’” Johnson said when asked what he’ll take 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, who coached the Spurs from 1996 until this year and won five NBA titles in that span – started by cracking a few jokes. He also turned reflective, at times even a bit emotional. He suffered the stroke in November, hours before the Spurs played the Minnesota Timberwolves. Johnson took over as acting coach for the final 77 games of the season and his promotion was formally announced Friday.
“I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people caring about the organization and sending me thoughts and prayers, that sort of thing, since I had this stroke,” Popovich said.
Popovich also thanked several of those involved in his rehabilitation, as well as former players and coaches. He also noted that everyone in the Spurs organization – including the in-game time-out performers, those in the ticket office, custodians, window-washers and more – plays a role in the team’s success. He also lauded the fans for their years of support, and vowed that the Spurs won’t let them down.
“We all have a part in this,” Popovich said. “It’s not just the players and the coaches.”
The Spurs’ core principles – doing things the right way, honoring continuity, always welcoming former players back into the fold – will remain in place, Johnson said.
“The theme of the book isn’t changing,” Johnson said.
