Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson Praised as 'Beacon of Sustainability'

Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff and others say Johnson has it good working for a patient Spurs organization.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:37pm

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is earning praise from his NBA coaching peers, including Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, for the patient and supportive environment he enjoys with the Spurs organization. Bickerstaff called the Spurs "a beacon of sustainability" that doesn't let emotion or outside opinions cloud its thinking when it comes to coaching decisions.

Why it matters

The Spurs' approach to coaching stability and development stands in contrast to many other NBA teams that quickly turn over head coaches. Johnson's experience shows the benefits of working for a well-run organization that trusts its people and takes a long-term view.

The details

Johnson was named the Spurs' head coach last May after serving as acting coach for most of the 2024-25 season following Gregg Popovich's stroke. Bickerstaff praised the Spurs for not just "throwing him in there" but trusting Johnson's "talent level, his ability to relate, his intelligence, his ability to lead, his ability to communicate." Johnson said he's "grateful" to be with such a supportive, patient organization, noting "it's not like that everywhere."

  • Mitch Johnson was named Spurs head coach in May 2026.
  • Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke early in the 2024-25 season.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The 39-year-old head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has been with the organization since 2016.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who praised the Spurs organization and Johnson's coaching abilities.

Gregg Popovich

The Hall of Fame former head coach of the Spurs, who suffered a stroke early in the 2024-25 season.

R.C. Buford

The CEO of the San Antonio Spurs.

Brian Wright

The general manager of the San Antonio Spurs.

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What they’re saying

“They didn't just throw him in there, right? He was there with their organization, with their program. They (trusted) his talent level, his ability to relate, his intelligence, his ability to lead, his ability to communicate.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons Head Coach (expressnews.com)

“It's not like that everywhere. I know from the top to bottom, from the whole family and Pop and (CEO) R.C. (Buford) and (general manager) Brian Wright and everyone else, we're all trying to row in the right direction. And when you have that feeling of support, it really gives you a sense of confidence and calmness to just do your job and not be on eggshells that you're worried about every single result or outcome. Because we know we're working towards something bigger than every single result or outcome.”

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

What’s next

The Spurs will face the Brooklyn Nets, who have had four head coaches since 2020, in their next game.

The takeaway

The Spurs' patient, supportive approach to coaching stands in contrast to the frequent coaching turnover seen at many other NBA teams. This stability allows the organization to develop talent and maintain a consistent culture, which has contributed to the team's long-term success.