Gregg Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying at the news conference where the San Antonio Spurs formally introduced Mitch Johnson as his replacement that the time was right to make that move.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich appointed Mitch Johnson as the team’s new head coach on Monday. In his first press conference since suffering a mild stroke in November 2024, Popovich spoke on his tenure as head coach of the Spurs for 29 seasons and his decision to step down from the role.

Johnson took over head coaching duties from Popovich, who suffered a stroke and had been away from the team indefinitely.