Spurs Players 'Run Through Walls' for Coach Mitch Johnson

39-year-old coach earns All-Star nod for guiding Spurs to strong start and playoff position

Feb. 14, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, 39, has formed tight bonds with his players in San Antonio, earning the trust and respect of the team. This has contributed to the Spurs' strong start to the season, which has them poised to end the franchise's six-year playoff drought. Johnson will coach one of the All-Star teams at the upcoming "U.S. versus the World" event, an honor he credits to the team's performance rather than his own accomplishments.

Why it matters

Johnson's ability to connect with his players, from veterans to young stars like Keldon Johnson and Victor Wembanyama, has been a key factor in the Spurs' resurgence. His coaching style, which emphasizes defense and gives players freedom offensively, has earned the respect of the locker room and helped the team exceed expectations this season.

The details

In his first full season as Spurs head coach after Gregg Popovich's retirement, Mitch Johnson has guided the team to a 38-16 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Johnson, who was previously an assistant coach, has formed tight bonds with his players, with forward Keldon Johnson saying the team would "run through walls" for him. Johnson's coaching style, which includes being honest with players and not sugarcoating feedback, has built trust and allowed him to push the team to improve.

  • In summer 2019, Mitch Johnson was promoted to Spurs assistant coach around the same time the team drafted Keldon Johnson.
  • In November 2024, Mitch Johnson was named acting head coach following Gregg Popovich's stroke.
  • As of February 1, 2026, the Spurs were 38-16 and the No. 2 seed in the West, earning Mitch Johnson an All-Star coaching berth.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The 39-year-old head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has formed strong relationships with his players and guided the team to a strong start this season.

Keldon Johnson

A Spurs forward who has had a close relationship with Mitch Johnson since being drafted by the team in 2019, and who says the team would "run through walls" for their coach.

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old Spurs All-Star center who respects Mitch Johnson's efficient and direct coaching style.

Devin Vassell

A Spurs forward who appreciates that Mitch Johnson holds the entire team to a high standard.

Stephon Castle

A 21-year-old Spurs guard who likes how Mitch Johnson puts players in positions to succeed on both offense and defense.

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What they’re saying

“We'd run through walls for him the same way he'd run through walls for us.”

— Julian Champagnie, Spurs forward

“There's nothing he wouldn't do for each and every person in that locker room. And there's nothing we wouldn't do for Mitch. Because that's the kind of relationship we have. We've had that relationship from day one.”

— Keldon Johnson, Spurs forward

“He holds you to a certain standard, holds everybody to a certain standard, so we love that.”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs forward

“As a coach, you've only got two or three minutes in a timeout, so you have to go straight to the point. He's been really efficient in that way. He doesn't talk for nothing. That's a great quality he's had from almost day one. That forces respect.”

— Victor Wembanyama, Spurs All-Star center

“His main thing is defense. But offensively he gives us a lot of freedom to go out there and play and make plays. He puts us in good spots to give us a lot of confidence to just go out there and play free.”

— Stephon Castle, Spurs guard

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.