Gregg Popovich gives first public speech as Spurs introduce Mitch Johnson as head coach

Pop spoke publicly for the first time since his stroke before Mitch Johnson was introduced as head coach.

Today ended up being a big day in San Antonio, and not because it’s Cinco de Mayo. For the first time since he suffered a stroke on November 2, Gregg Popovich made his first public appearance at Mitch Johnson’s introductory press conference as the Spurs’ new head coach. Many current and former players were there, including Dejounte Murray, who has been friends with Johnson since childhood.

The occasion started with team governor Peter J. Holt speaking about carrying on the team culture and thanking Pop as he fought back tears. Then, it was Pop’s turn to publicly speak for the first time since his stroke. Flanked by Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, who he joked were there to catch him if he fell, the somewhat quiet Pop explained that while he’s been getting better by the day, it just isn’t enough anymore, so it was time to pass the torch. He thanked everyone while having some long pauses in between thoughts, perhaps fighting emotions or gathering thoughts.

He also expressed total faith in Mitch Johnson to carry on his legacy and implied that the plan has been for Mitch to be his successor for a while (which fans should take to heart). Then, in hilarious Pop fashion, he announced he was no longer head coach and introduced his new title by unzipping his jacket and revealing an “El Jefe” shirt (translated to “The Boss”) with “Señor Popovich” and “President of Basketball Operations” back.

He then had Coach Johnson come up, and he and Brian Wright began his introductory press conference. Johnson thanked everyone in the Spurs organization, particularly Brett Brown, who he referred to as like an uncle to him, and all current and former players. He also thanked the fans, his family and expressed his excitement at growing with and challenging the current players. Then, he got to Pop, seemingly fighting back laughs and tears at the same time (Pop must have done something else silly off screen). He said the best thing Pop taught him was to understand every moment and how important they all are.

From there, he took questions, many of which were about Pop, but he always had new answers. When asked what the most important thing he took from Pop over the last year was, he said to be himself and do things is own way. Another point that generated laughter was when he was asked what he learned from “El Jefe”, which Pop was caught reacting to. After some laughs, Johnson said he learned how important relationships are, and knowing when to hug a player or when to yell at them (a Pop specialty).

You can watch the entire conference below or by clicking here. Hopefully being able to hear from both Pop and Mitch will put some fans’ minds at ease, and keep in mind, if Pop and players such as Victor Wembanyama believe in him, then we should too.