After nearly three decades as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, five-time NBA champion Gregg Popovich had his first public address in his new role.

On Friday, the San Antonio Spurs officially announced that Basketball Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich will step down as head coach and transition to a full-time role as the team’s president of basketball operations. Taking the reins on the sideline is Mitch Johnson, who served as acting head coach for much of the 2024–25 season.

Gregg Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying at the news conference where the San Antonio Spurs formally introduced Mitch Johnson as his replacement that the time was right to make that move.