Mitch Johnson Leads Spurs Resurgence in First Season as Head Coach

After taking over for Gregg Popovich, Johnson instilled a culture of discipline and accountability to guide the Spurs back to the playoffs.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors, breaking down a basketball game or match into sharp, overlapping geometric planes to capture the raw energy and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Spurs' resurgence under Mitch Johnson, breaking down the team's renewed discipline and intensity into a dynamic, geometric composition.Chicago Today

When Mitch Johnson took over as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, he faced the daunting task of replacing a legendary figure in Gregg Popovich. Despite early skepticism, Johnson has led the Spurs to a 24-3 record since the All-Star break and a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. By emphasizing fundamentals, accountability, and a team-first mentality, Johnson has given the Spurs a clear identity and restored the franchise to its winning ways.

Why it matters

The Spurs' resurgence under Johnson's leadership is significant, as the team had struggled in recent years to maintain the sustained excellence it was known for under Popovich. Johnson's ability to quickly instill his own coaching philosophy and get the team to buy in has been crucial in returning the Spurs to the playoffs and positioning them as a contender in the Western Conference.

The details

Despite a 5-0 start, the Spurs showed inconsistency early in the season, leading to questions about Johnson's ability to command the locker room. However, Johnson remained steadfast in his approach, emphasizing discipline, execution, and a possession-by-possession mentality. The Spurs began to defend with purpose, sharpen their offensive execution, and play with intentionality rather than just instinct. Johnson never tried to replicate Popovich, but the parallels in their emphasis on accountability and culture-building became clear.

  • The Spurs surged to a 24-3 record since the All-Star break.
  • The Spurs clinched their first playoff berth since the 2018–19 season.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The new head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, tasked with replacing the legendary Gregg Popovich and restoring the franchise to its winning ways.

Gregg Popovich

The former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who built the team into a perennial contender and established a culture of excellence over his 22-year tenure.

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What they’re saying

“I will attempt to do it my way.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

“Possession by possession. Dismantle them in the half-court. Play fast. Get back. Do it again. Be disciplined to be disciplined, to like and embrace the boring—the mundane.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

“The standard and level of play that we know we're capable of must be acknowledged and held accountable regardless of score or the result of the game. That's of the utmost importance when you don't have the history together to draw on a sample size of leaning into some of those things.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their strong play in the playoffs, where they will face new challenges and higher stakes.

The takeaway

Mitch Johnson's first season as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs has been a resounding success, as he has restored the team's identity and culture while guiding them back to the playoffs. By emphasizing discipline, accountability, and a team-first mentality, Johnson has bridged the eras of Gregg Popovich and the Spurs' past, creating a foundation for sustained success in the future.