Johnson took over head coaching duties from Popovich, who suffered a stroke and had been away from the team indefinitely.

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.

The San Antonio Spurs announced Friday that coach Gregg Popovich was stepping down and Mitch Johnson would replace him as head coach.