Spurs' Mitch Johnson Embraces Spotlight as Team Surges

The young head coach reflects on a pivotal dinner with Gregg Popovich that shaped his approach to handling the team's newfound success.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:31am

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In his first full season as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Mitch Johnson has the team positioned as a contender in the Western Conference. This is a far cry from just a few years ago, when the Spurs failed to send any representatives to the NBA All-Star Weekend, leaving then-assistant coach Johnson feeling like the team was falling short. Now, with the arrival of superstar Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are the talk of the league, and Johnson is embracing the spotlight, understanding that comes with success.

Why it matters

Johnson's journey from a somber coaching staff dinner with Gregg Popovich to now leading one of the NBA's most exciting young teams highlights the rapid turnaround the Spurs have undergone. The team's resurgence has thrust Johnson into the national spotlight, and his willingness to embrace the attention stands in contrast to Popovich's famously curmudgeonly approach, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Spurs leadership.

The details

Five years ago, during a staff dinner in the winter of 2021, Popovich noted that the Spurs would be completely unrepresented at that year's NBA All-Star Weekend, the first time that had happened in the franchise's storied history. This somber moment stuck with the then-34-year-old Johnson, who had joined the Spurs' coaching staff in 2016. Now, as the head coach of a team led by the highly touted Wembanyama, Johnson is embracing the attention and hype surrounding the Spurs, understanding that "whatever comes with success, I'll take it."

  • In the winter of 2021, the Spurs had no representatives at the NBA All-Star Weekend.
  • Johnson joined the Spurs' coaching staff in 2016.

The players

Mitch Johnson

The 39-year-old head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has led the team to a surge in the Western Conference standings in his first full season.

Gregg Popovich

The former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, known for his curmudgeonly approach and dislike of media attention.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted rookie who has helped propel the Spurs into contention, drawing significant national attention to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever comes with success, I'll take it.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

“It's kind of the opposite of what we're talking about now. And I will never, ever want to go back to that.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs

What’s next

The Spurs will continue their push for a playoff spot as the season progresses, with the team's young core led by Wembanyama drawing increasing national attention.

The takeaway

Mitch Johnson's journey from a somber coaching staff dinner with Gregg Popovich to embracing the spotlight as the head coach of the surging Spurs highlights the rapid turnaround the franchise has undergone. Johnson's willingness to welcome the attention and hype surrounding his team stands in contrast to Popovich's famously curmudgeonly approach, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Spurs leadership.