What if Pop steps down?
The San Antonio Spurs recently experienced a difficult week. Victor Wembanyama was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot. This likely removes them from playoff contention and raises several questions for the future. Shams Charania further complicated matters by announcing that Gregg Popovich would not return to the bench this season. The legendary coach suffered a stroke in November and has been absent since.
Will Pop coach again? The 76-year-old has been at the helm of the Spurs since 1996. It is uncertain if they will be seeking a new leader, but the franchise should prepare for all possibilities.
Coach Pop has cultivated an extensive coaching network during his nearly 30 years with the Spurs. San Antonio is renowned for its team culture and will likely select a successor familiar with the franchise's established principles. If Popovich departs, here are seven individuals to monitor.
7. Mitch Johnson
Johnson assumed the role of acting head coach when Popovich stepped away on Nov. 2. The Spurs have a 22-27 record under his guidance, although the victories are credited to coach Pop. While some fans may be unimpressed with the 38-year-old's performance thus far, Johnson is filling the shoes of a legend during a challenging season.
The Spurs have a 5-8 record since their trip to Paris. Wembanyama struggled during that period, and the Spurs executed a significant trade for a new starting point guard. Johnson has encountered numerous obstacles. San Antonio has high expectations. Johnson deserves more time to demonstrate his ability to thrive in the position.
The 38-year-old could be a leading candidate if Popovich retires, but the Spurs will have numerous options, including another longtime Spur currently on their coaching staff.
6. Brett Brown
Brown rejoined the Spurs in 2022 after a seven-year tenure as the 76ers head coach. He guided Philadelphia through "The Process" era and back into contention. Brown was dismissed after three consecutive playoff appearances, and the Sixers have yet to progress further.
Brown served as an assistant under coach Pop from 2007 to 2013 but had been with the Spurs since 2002. He maintains a close relationship with the legendary coach, and the 64-year-old may be the solution if San Antonio requires a permanent head coach.
The Spurs will not solely consider coaches already on their bench. Several other former assistants under Pop should be considered.
5. James Borrego
Borrego began his NBA coaching career with the Spurs and had two stints as an assistant with the franchise, from 2003-2010 and 2015-2018.
Borrego departed to become the Hornets head coach following his second stint. He led Charlotte to a winning record in 2022 as they finished eighth in offensive rating but was let go after four seasons.
Borrego is currently leading the Pelicans offense as an assistant coach. The 47-year-old is eager for another head coaching opportunity and would be delighted to succeed Pop. Borrego failed to reach the playoffs in his four years leading the Hornets, and the Spurs may seek a candidate with a more established history of success.
4. Mike Budenholzer
Coach Bud was with the Spurs from 1994 to 2013. He contributed to the franchise's four championship victories and leveraged that success into a head coaching position.
Budenholzer is now with his third team. He transformed the Hawks into a contender before securing a championship in Milwaukee. Following a disappointing first-round playoff elimination, the Bucks made a change in 2023, and he is now in Phoenix. The Suns are struggling and may make a change this offseason.
Coach Bud has a championship to his name and only missed the playoffs once in a decade as a head coach. Discount him at your own peril. Mike Budenholzer is the ideal choice if the Spurs desire a championship-caliber head coach with ties to their organization.
3. Will Hardy
Hardy is considered one of the most promising young head coaches in the NBA. The 37-year-old has not achieved significant success in his three years leading the Jazz, but they are in a rebuilding phase. Hardy has helped Lauri Markkanen develop into an All-Star and has excelled at maximizing his players' potential.
He commenced his NBA coaching career with the Spurs. Hardy spent six seasons learning under Pop and was present during the final stages of their remarkable era.
The Jazz have him under contract through the 2026-27 season, but head coaching vacancies do not frequently arise with the Spurs. Could San Antonio execute a trade and provide Will Hardy with an opportunity to prove himself on a team ready to compete? More improbable scenarios have unfolded.
2. Becky Hammon
Hammon spent several years on the Spurs bench before assuming the head coaching role for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. The six-time All-Star led them to consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023. She is recognized as one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history and is now building an impressive coaching career.
Would Hammon return to the NBA to succeed Pop? It is a possibility. Becky Hammon would become the first female head coach in league history, but is she prepared to relinquish her position with the Aces? Only time will reveal the answer. Hammon is an exceptional coach and someone the Spurs would be eager to bring back.
1. Mike Brown
Brown helped the Kings end a 16-year playoff drought in 2022 and sparked a frenzy surrounding "lighting the beam." He initially seemed to be a long-term fit in Sacramento before being fired after 31 games this season.
Brown has served as a head coach for the Cavaliers, Lakers, and Kings. He guided LeBron to the NBA Finals in 2007 and has come close on several other occasions. His 454-304 record as a head coach speaks for itself. He was a Spurs assistant in the early 2000s and is eager to return to the bench.
The San Antonio Spurs have a wealth of options should Gregg Popovich choose to conclude his legendary career. Retaining Mitch Johnson may be the answer, or potentially bringing back someone with extensive experience within the franchise’s culture. Although it is not a decision the franchise anticipates making, expect them to make the right call with Pop’s input.
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| San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images |
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