Quotes
Players believed Pop cared about them individually before he cared about them as basketball players,
former Spurs player Terry Porter told The Athletic
I trust the organization ... and I also trust Mitch to grow into that role,
Wembanyama said
I am truly grateful and honored to receive this incredible opportunity,
Johnson saidWhen I took the opportunity to join the Austin Spurs over nine years ago, I had no idea that opportunity was in front of me,
Johnson said at the end of the regular seasonI'm an individual and I live in this country,
he said in a 2017 interview
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Mitch did a great job… Things happen within this league all the time, and just like with players, it’s ‘next man up.’
After a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Paul lauded Johnson’s poise, saying
We are thrilled for Mitch Johnson to be our next head coach,
Spurs managing partner Peter J Holt said
Coach Pop’s extraordinary impact on our family, San Antonio, the Spurs and the game of basketball is profound,
Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt said in a statement.jpg)
Mitch Johnson and his staff have done a wonderful job and the resolve and professionalism the players have shown, sticking together during a challenging season, has been outstanding,
Popovich said in the statement distributed by the SpursWhile my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,
he said in a statement
His accolades and awards don’t do justice to the impact he has had on so many people,
Holt said in a statementI’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community and city that are so meaningful to me,
Popovich said
Everyone knows the amazing job he’s done and all the accomplishments,
longtime coach Larry Brown said in 2021I was the first one to get to the arena for games, and I would walk past the training room and Pop would be on the treadmill,
Paul saidHe’s always just been an incredible example of class, dignity,
Spoelstra said of Popovich.jpg)
The best there ever was,
Spurs great Manu Ginobili said last year of Popovich.jpg)
There is no one out there like Pop,
Golden State coach Steve Kerr saidIt’s impossible to separate it if you have been in the military,
Popovich said when asked about the parallels of being at the Air Force Academy and coaching the country’s national teamHe has an amazing sense of humor,
Boston forward Jayson Tatum said while playing for Popovich during the Tokyo Olympics four years agoIt means I’m old,
Popovich said last year