Gregg Popovich is the main man for the San Antonio Spurs. For nearly three decades, he has been the driving force behind the franchise’s culture of excellence. But the Spurs may have to face life without their legendary head coach.
After suffering a stroke, Popovich will miss the remainder of the season, and with his long-term future uncertain, San Antonio must begin preparing for the possibility of a new era on the sidelines. This is an important moment for the franchise, made even more difficult by Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending battle with blood clots.
With their generational superstar sidelined and their Hall of Fame coach’s future in doubt, the Spurs are at a crossroads. Do they stay in-house and promote from within? Do they target a young, innovative mind to lead the next chapter?
The next Spurs head coach—whenever that transition happens—must embody the qualities that have defined this organization: character and a deep understanding of player development. Here are the top candidates to take on the challenge of succeeding one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.
Mike Brown
Age: 54
Professional Coaching Experience: 20+ years (Head Coach: Cavaliers, Lakers, Kings; Assistant Coach: Spurs, Pacers, Wizards, Warriors)
Mike Brown is one of the most experienced coaching candidates on the market and has already proven he can lead a team to success. Most recently at the helm of the Sacramento Kings before getting fired this season, Brown revitalized the franchise by ending its 16-year playoff drought in 2023, implementing a dynamic offense while maintaining his defensive principles from his years with the Spurs and Warriors.
He’s also a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and has a championship pedigree from his time as an assistant under Steve Kerr at Golden State. If the Spurs want a veteran voice who understands how to develop young talent while also instilling a winning culture, Brown could be a perfect fit.
San Antonio’s front office is well aware of Brown’s abilities, given his previous time as an assistant under Popovich in the early 2000s. He learned firsthand how to build a sustainable, team-first culture, and his ability to balance player relationships with firm coaching would be crucial for a young roster led by Victor Wembanyama.
Mitch Johnson
Age: 38
Professional Coaching Experience: 7 years (Assistant Coach: Spurs)
Mitch Johnson has been groomed as a potential successor to Popovich for years, and with the legendary coach’s future uncertain, his time might finally arrive as he is currently the Spurs’ interim head coach. Johnson has been an assistant on the Spurs’ bench since 2019, learning under Pop and playing a key role in player development.
He’s already worked closely with Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan, making him an attractive internal option for a franchise that values continuity. If the Spurs want to maintain their long-term vision without bringing in an outsider, Johnson is the logical choice.
Despite his lack of head coaching experience, Johnson has drawn praise for his basketball IQ and ability to connect with players. The only question is whether the Spurs feel comfortable handing the reins to a first-time head coach.
James Borrego
Age: 47
Professional Coaching Experience: 20 years (Head Coach: Hornets; Assistant Coach: Spurs, Pelicans, Magic)
A former Popovich disciple, James Borrego has deep ties to the Spurs organization and is widely respected as an innovative offensive mind. He spent over a decade as an assistant in San Antonio across two separate stints, helping build the system that led to the team’s 2014 championship.
As the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022 and the current associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Borrego made significant strides in player development, turning LaMelo Ball into an All-Star and unlocking the potential of young talents like Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington.
Borrego’s fast-paced, modern offensive approach would be an intriguing fit for a Spurs team that wants to maximize Wembanyama’s unique skill set. He has experience working with big men who can stretch the floor and make plays, and his familiarity with San Antonio’s culture makes him a natural candidate.
Sam Cassell
Age: 55
Professional Coaching Experience: 15+ years (Assistant Coach: Wizards, Clippers, Sixers, Celtics)
A three-time NBA champion as a player, Sam Cassell has spent over a decade learning the coaching craft under some of the league’s best minds. He’s been an assistant with the Wizards, Clippers, Sixers, and most recently, the Celtics, where he is working alongside Joe Mazzulla as an assistant coach.
Cassell is known for his ability to relate to players and develop guards, making him a strong candidate for a young Spurs team that needs leadership and guidance. Though he hasn’t been a head coach yet, Cassell has long been considered one of the best assistant coaches in the league.
Adrian Griffin
Age: 50
Professional Coaching Experience: 16+ years (Head Coach: Bucks; Assistant Coach: Bucks, Raptors, Thunder, Magic, Bulls)
Adrian Griffin started the 2023-24 season as the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coach, but after a rocky tenure, he was let go midseason. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s been a well-respected assistant for years, playing a major role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run.
Known for his defensive acumen, Griffin has worked under elite coaches like Nick Nurse, Billy Donovan, and Scott Skiles, learning various styles and philosophies. San Antonio could benefit from Griffin’s defensive mindset, particularly with Wembanyama anchoring the paint and his experience as a player (between 1999 and 2008) will help him bond with the Spurs youngsters.
Becky Hammon
Age: 47
Professional Coaching Experience: 8 years (Assistant Coach: Spurs; Head Coach: Las Vegas Aces)
Becky Hammon has already made history as a head coach in the WNBA, leading the Las Vegas Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Before that, she spent eight years as an assistant under Popovich, becoming the first woman to serve as an acting head coach in an NBA game.
She knows the Spurs system inside and out and has a deep understanding of how to develop talent. Hammon’s success in the WNBA proves she’s more than ready for an NBA head coaching job. Her ability to command a locker room and implement winning strategies would make her an exciting choice for the Spurs.
Micah Nori
Age: 50
Professional Coaching Experience: 20+ years (Assistant Coach: Raptors, Kings, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Pistons)
Micah Nori has quietly built an impressive coaching resume, working under some of the best minds in the game, including Michael Malone in Denver and Mike Brown in Sacramento. He is currently the head assistant coach to Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves and was often seen in the playoffs last year.
He’s been a key assistant for multiple playoff teams and has played a significant role in game-planning and player development. Nori’s experience with teams that have transitioned from rebuilding to contending makes him an intriguing fit for San Antonio.
Brett Brown
Age: 64
Professional Coaching Experience: 30+ years (Head Coach: 76ers; Assistant Coach: Spurs, Australia National Team)
Brett Brown is as familiar with the Spurs organization as anyone, having spent over a decade as an assistant under Popovich. He later took on the daunting challenge of leading the Philadelphia 76ers through “The Process,” helping develop Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons into All-Stars.
His experience coaching young talent in a rebuilding environment makes him a natural fit for San Antonio’s current situation. Brown’s biggest asset is his ability to connect with players and create a structured developmental system.
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