Some set the goal of becoming a coach early in their career. For others, the opportunity comes when they least expect it. This is the story of Mitch Johnson, who, on May 2, 2025, was appointed as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.
His appointment was announced after former head coach Gregg Popovich stepped down following 29 seasons of coaching.
Where Did Mitch Johnson Play College Basketball?
Johnson was born on Nov. 29, 1986. He attended O’Dea High School in Seattle. His basketball career started in 2005 at Stanford University, where he played from 2005 to 2009. As the son of former NBA champion John Johnson, he faced a difficult start to his career.
He was a point guard at Stanford and appeared in over 129 games across four seasons. He started 107 of those games and averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. According to ESPN, he had a field goal percentage of 38.3%.
We’re pleased to announce Mitch Johnson as our new head coach pic.twitter.com/S73Hp7hghn
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 2, 2025
While at Stanford, he gained popularity due to his impressive leadership and playmaking skills. No wonder his team had two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an impressive Sweet 16 run in 2008. Overall, his college career was promising.
Hopes were high that Johnson would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a success in the NBA. Unfortunately, Johnson went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft. He then joined the Tulsa 66ers on Nov. 1, 2009. However, within a short period, he was waived by the team.
Despite this setback, Johnson refused to give up, though his popularity waned, and his career ended without a major team on his credentials.
With his playing career not going as planned, Johnson transitioned into coaching. He began working as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 2019, a position he held until 2024. In 2024, he was appointed interim coach during Coach Popovich’s participation in Tim Duncan’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction.
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Due to Popovich’s health issues, Johnson had to step in again as interim coach. His coaching career has been thriving, and players have praised him for his leadership. As such, no one was surprised when he was named the Spurs’ new head coach on May 2, 2025.
Johnson now has the opportunity to leave a mark on the basketball world. If he makes the most of this opportunity, it could open doors for even bigger roles in the future. Although his playing career didn’t blossom, he now has a chance to make a lasting impact as a coach.
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