Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely after suffering health problems over the weekend

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will reportedly be sidelined indefinitely after suffering health issues over the weekend. Assistant Mitch Johnson will serve as interim coach while Popovich is out.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered from health issues before Saturday's game and assistant Mitch Johnson is expected to serve as interim coach indefinitely, including Monday against the Clippers and Wednesday against the Rockets, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qqdDtyc2GJ

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 4, 2024

The health issue, which was not disclosed, surfaced before the Spurs faced the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. The team announced that the 75-year-old Popovich would not be able to coach the game and Johnson would assume head coaching duties.

Johnson, who was informed two and a half hours before the game that he would serve as head coach, told the media that Popovich “just wasn't feeling well.” The Spurs defeated the Wolves 113-103, and Johnson's performance on the sideline earned a rave review from veteran Chris Paul.

“Mitch did a great job, man,” Paul said after Saturday’s win. “I think our entire coaching staff did. Things happen all the time in this league, and just like with players, it's the next man up that counts. So kudos to Mitch, he did a great job tonight.”

Johnson also led the Spurs against the Los Angeles Clippers in Southern California on Monday night and addressed Popovich's absence before the game.

“I just want to start by saying that Pop's impact on our organization is due to the players he coached and the staff who worked with him in the San Antonio community,” Johnson said, via ESPN. “It's hard to articulate or put into words and if I tried I wouldn't do it justice. He's been great for me personally, and right now his health is our top priority. We support him 100% and I spoke about it to him last night. He's doing well and we can't wait to have him back.

Popovich is in his 29th season with the Spurs, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the league. He leads the NBA with 1,391 career wins and another 170 postseason wins. He has also coached five teams to NBA titles.

The Spurs next face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night before returning to San Antonio for five home games. Although it will feel like anything but from the outside, Johnson insists it is a “regular schedule” for the team.

“Just stay consistent with the messaging we’ve been getting,” he said, via ESPN. “He wields so much power and delegates when he’s here. In a weird way, it doesn't feel like I have to do anything super fancy. We have (assistants) Brett Brown and Matt Nielsen who were on the bench with me. “We have a great staff and guys who all have the opportunity to train hard and lead. I think it's just about doing what we do and that's what we're going to do. Doing it as a group was great and the players stepped up in that regard too.”

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely after suffering health problems over the weekend

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