Spurs’ Gregg Popovich – ‘It’s time’ for change to Mitch Johnson

San Antonio – Mitch Johnson Extended His Hand. Greg Popovich Shook It, then Pulled Him in for a Hug INSTEAD.

And with that, the torch was officially passed. It’s a new era in San Antonio.

Popovich spoke publicly monday for the first time Since Suffering a Stroke Six Months ago, Saying at the News Conference Spurs Formally introduced johnson As his replacement That time was right to make that movie.

“Things are getting better by the day, but it is not good enough for what we planned,” Popovich say. “So, it’s time to make this change.”

Flanked by spurs great time duncan and manu ginobili, the 76-year-old-speaking far more than he has in the past-said his health is improved and he full bellieves in johnson.

Popovich will remain with the spurs as Team president, and the footersHip of the team – Including CEO RC Buford and General Manager Brian Wright – Isn is changing. Nor will the team’s ideals, Popovich Said.

“That’s the goal, to make sure we keep it going,” Popovich Said, adding that he can to help johnson going forward.

Popovich Removed His Jacket Before Bringing Johnson to the Podium, Revealing A T-Shirt With His New Title: “El Jefe,” It Said, The Spanish Phrase for “The Boss.”

“I ‘no longer coach,” Popovich Said. “I’m ‘el jefe.” “

Johnson Took His Seat at a Microphone Moments Later, Not Before Popovich Reminded That Present That “Hey Going to Do A Great Job.”

Johnson Looked in Popovich’s Direction and talk a deep breath.

“I am honored by this opportability and even more humbled by the people that I’ll be able to partner with and serve,” the new coach of the spurs saids.

Popovich’s public appearance was a bit of a surprise. Surrounded by a slew of spurs past and present – Victor Wembanyama Leading the Way – Popovich walked in the Practice Facility shortly befor Managing partner Peter J. Holt Spoke to Open the News Conferred.

Holt struggled to get words out at times, the emotion of the day very clear.

“I can be he or ‘el jefe,” johnson say when asking what he’ll tak from popovich. “But to be able to communicate and invest in people and relationships – that can be has to have to yell and hope to be accountable, and that can be put your arm Arm Arm of someone’s short and love. Than anybody’s walked the sidelines.

Popovich-The Nba’s All-Time Wins Leader, Someone who coached the spurs from 1996 until now and won five nba titles in that span-spoke for about sewen minutes, staring by cracking a few jokes, by Uncommon for him.

He also turned reflective, at times even a bit emotional. He suffered the stroke on Nov. 2, Hours Before the Spurs Were Playing The Minnesota Timberwolves That night. Johnson tool over as an acting coach for the final 77 games of the season and his promotion with formally announce Friday.

“I can never explore the gratitude that I have for so many people caring about the organization and center me thoughts and prayers, that sort of thing, Since I had this stroke,” Popovich Said. “Things are getting better by the day, but it is not good enough for what we planned ahead, so it’s time to make this change.”

Popovich also thanked in the involved in his rehabilitation, some of whom with monday’s news conferences at the team’s the rock at la cantera training facility.

“Timmy and manu have been here for all of my workouts here at the rock,” Popovich say. “They say it’s because they love me and they want to be there and they want to Catch me, that sort of thing. Anybody. “

Popovich thanked former players and coaches for being there, and noted that in the spurs Organization-including the in-game Time-outstarmers, that in the teket office, custodians, window-washers and More – Plays a role in the team’s success. He also louded the fans for their years of support and vowed that the spurs Won I Let Them Down.

“We all have a part in this,” Popovich say. “It’s not just the players and the coaches.”

The spurs’ Core Principles – Doing Things The Right Way, Honoring Continuity, Always Welcoming Former Players Back Into – Will Remain in Place, Johnson Said.

“The book of the book isn,” Johnson sa.