Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, will continue in his role as interim coach for the foreseeable future while head coach Gregg Popovich recuperates from a mild stroke.

The Spurs had initially reported on November 2 that Popovich was dealing with a health issue, but they confirmed on Wednesday that the 75-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. The team mentioned that he has begun physical rehabilitation and that they have yet to establish a timeline for his return.

Popovich experienced the mild stroke before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which Johnson went on to coach, leading the Spurs to a 113-103 victory.

“He’s not feeling well,” Johnson noted on November 2 regarding Popovich’s condition. “This has happened before. Everyone needs to be ready to step up. We’ve faced injuries, sickness, and other life events. He just isn’t feeling well right now.”

As the interim coach for the Spurs so far, Johnson has managed to achieve a balanced record of 3 wins and 3 losses in six games.

Here’s what you need to know about Mitch Johnson, the interim head coach of the Spurs:

Who is Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson?

Mitch Johnson, 39, has been part of Popovich’s coaching staff since 2019, when he was hired as an assistant, and is recognized as one of the promising young coaches in the NBA.

This isn’t the first time Johnson has taken on the role of interim coach for the Spurs. The first instance was in May 2021 when Popovich was away for the Hall of Fame induction of Tim Duncan; that game ended in a 140-103 loss for San Antonio. His second opportunity came in March 2023 during Popovich’s absence due to a non-COVID illness, where he achieved his first coaching win, leading the Spurs to a 110-99 victory against the Pacers. Popovich returned for the following game.

Before joining the Spurs, Johnson worked with their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, from 2016 to 2019, where he was an assistant under coaches Ken McDonald and Blake Ahearn.

Dedicating four seasons to Division I basketball at Stanford from 2005 to 2009, Johnson averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in taking the Cardinal to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2008. After college, he briefly played in the G League with the Tulsa 66ers.

Additionally, Johnson is the son of former NBA All-Star John Johnson, who was a two-time All-Star.

How long will Gregg Popovich be out for the Spurs?

The duration of Popovich’s absence remains uncertain. The Spurs confirmed on Wednesday that he is expected to fully recover, but no specific timeline for his return to coaching has been set yet.

Initially, it was stated that Popovich would be unavailable for at least the first two games of a road trip that started on November 4 in Los Angeles against the Clippers and concluded on November 6 against the Houston Rockets, both of which resulted in losses.

According to the NBA, all of the wins and losses that occur while Popovich is not on the sidelines will count toward his official coaching record.

With 1,393 victories, Popovich holds the title of the NBA’s all-time winningest coach and has led the Spurs to five NBA Championships.

What will Mitch Johnson need to do while interim coach of the Spurs?

During his tenure as interim coach, Johnson’s primary focus will be to uphold the system and culture that Popovich has cultivated over nearly 30 years with the Spurs. With a young team currently at a 5-6 record, they are anchored by rising star Victor Wembanyama, who is in his second season, averaging 19.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.9 blocks per game. Developing Wembanyama further is a top priority.

Additionally, veteran point guard Chris Paul has been a stabilizing influence, while young forwards Jeremy Sochan (21) and Keldon Johnson (25) are shining contributors to the team’s efforts.

What have the Spurs said about Mitch Johnson?

After the Spurs’ win over Minnesota on November 2, point guard Chris Paul praised Johnson’s performance as interim coach.

“Mitch did a fantastic job,” Paul said. “Our entire coaching staff did well. These kinds of situations arise regularly in this league, just like with players; it’s all about being ready to step up. Kudos to Mitch for his excellent work tonight.”