5 candidates to replace Gregg Popovich if Spurs head coach steps down
The San Antonio Spurs shared an update on Gregg Popovich's health on Wednesday. The team announced that the veteran coach suffered a mild stroke on Nov. 2 and his timetable for return remains unclear.
For the past couple of years, there have been rumors about Popovich retiring, and if his health doesn't improve, it might be the right time for him to step down. In that case, the Spurs will face the difficult task of finding a replacement for the man who has been their coach since 1996 and led them to five NBA championships.
That said, here are five potential candidates to replace Gregg Popovich in San Antonio.
5 candidates to take over from Gregg Popovich as Spurs head coach
#1. Manu Ginobili
Manu Ginobili has been a name often mentioned as a possible successor to Gregg Popovich for a couple of years now. The legendary sixth man re-joined the organization as an advisor in 2021 and has been working closely with some players, including Victor Wembanyama.
It's unclear whether he's interested in becoming more than a mentor for Wemby or if he wants to take over from Popovich, but having a four-time champion and long-time member of the organization could be beneficial for the Spurs.
#2. Monty Williams
Monty Williams didn't have the best tenure in Detroit last season, leading the young Pistons to a league-worst 14-68 record. Like everybody on this list, he has a prior history with the Spurs.
He was a Spurs coaching staff intern in 2005 and 11 years later served as the team's vice president of basketball operations. He's currently coaching his two sons, Elijah and Micah, at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio.
#3. Brett Brown
Brett Brown has had two tenures with the San Antonio Spurs, first spending six seasons under Gregg Popovich (2007-2013) before returning to the team in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Brown has been considered a serious candidate to take this job, and if Pop retires this year, his name will probably be in the mix.
#4. Jacque Vaughn
Jacque Vaughn, another coach from the Popovich coaching tree who also played for the Spurs, could be a strong candidate. After two seasons as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2022-2024), Vaughn struggled to get the team to work together, which ultimately led to his departure. Nonetheless, his familiarity with the Spurs organization makes him a potential option.
#5. Mitch Johnson
Mitch Johnson, the current interim head coach of the Spurs, appears to have a strong case to take over from Gregg Popovich.
With a 2-3 record since stepping into the role, he's proven himself capable of handling significant responsibility, which could be an indicator of his potential future with the organization.