Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Reflects on Austin's 'West Coast Vibes'

Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant with the Austin Spurs before joining the NBA team's staff.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson spoke fondly of his time in Austin, where he served as an assistant coach for the team's G League affiliate from 2016-2019. Johnson described the city as having 'West Coast vibes' and said he enjoyed the food, people, music, and culture during his three years there. The Spurs are set to play two 'home' games at the University of Texas' Moody Center this week as part of the team's effort to increase its footprint in Central Texas.

Why it matters

Johnson's comments highlight the close relationship between the San Antonio Spurs and their G League affiliate in Austin. The Spurs view Austin as an important part of their 'home' territory, and playing games there allows the team to connect with fans who may not be able to make it down to San Antonio regularly.

The details

Mitch Johnson, 39, is in his first full season as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after serving as acting coach in 2024-25 when Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke. Prior to joining the Spurs' NBA staff, Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the team's G League affiliate in Austin from 2016-2019. Johnson said he 'grew probably as a coach in Austin more than I ever have in terms of a three-year period' and that the G League 'allows players and staff to learn on the job and make mistakes and get an opportunity right away.'

  • The Spurs (38-16) are set to play two 'home' games at Moody Center in Austin this week, facing the Phoenix Suns on Thursday and the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
  • After the Austin games, the Spurs will hit the road again for five games against Eastern Conference teams, beginning with a contest at Detroit on Feb. 23.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who previously spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the team's G League affiliate in Austin.

Gregg Popovich

The former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who suffered a stroke five games into the 2024-25 season, leading to Johnson serving as acting head coach.

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What they’re saying

“I was in Austin for three years prior to San Antonio, and I've always loved the city.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs (expressnews.com)

“I always enjoy the food, the people, the music, the culture, time being spent here. Obviously, the University of Texas has so many great things about it, so it's a great opportunity for us to be able to play in front of hopefully some fans that maybe don't get down to San Antonio quite often and just to show our appreciation for the city, which we view as a part of our home.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs (expressnews.com)

“I think I grew probably as a coach in Austin more than I ever have in terms of a three-year period. The D League slash G league allows players and staff to learn on the job and make mistakes and get an opportunity right away.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Spurs will continue their annual rodeo trip with games against Eastern Conference opponents after their two-game stint in Austin.

The takeaway

Mitch Johnson's fondness for Austin and the city's importance to the Spurs organization highlights the valuable role that G League affiliates can play in developing both players and coaches. The Spurs' commitment to increasing their presence in Central Texas also demonstrates the team's desire to connect with fans across the state.