Hall of Fame coach Billy Donovan has agreed to become Mitch Johnson’s lead assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, adding decades of coaching experience to the reigning Western Conference champions’ bench.
The surprising move led many around the NBA to question what it means for Johnson’s long-term future.
NBA World Sees Billy Donovan as More Than Just Mitch Johnson’s Lead Assistant
Johnson led the Spurs to the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years. However, his first full season as head coach ended on a disappointing note after the Spurs were upset by the New York Knicks in five games.
Johnson faced criticism throughout the playoffs for his late-game rotations and reliance on certain players in clutch situations, particularly when San Antonio blew a 29-point lead in Game 4 of the Finals.
Now, the Spurs appear to have addressed one of the biggest concerns about their coaching staff.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Donovan “has agreed to become San Antonio’s lead assistant” after spending “11 seasons as a head coach in Chicago and Oklahoma City.”
Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and head coach Mitch Johnson, sources tell me and @PeteThamel. After 11 seasons as a head coach in Chicago and Oklahoma City, Donovan accepts the position with the Western Conference champions. pic.twitter.com/HdhjtsQG2K
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
Donovan brings three decades of coaching experience to Johnson’s bench, replacing Sean Sweeney, who left for a head-coaching gig with the Orlando Magic. Across 882 regular-season games as an NBA head coach, Donovan has a 469-413 record. He has also coached 46 playoff games, posting a 19-27 record.
The move was widely viewed as an upgrade for Johnson’s staff, but many around the NBA community also saw another message behind it. Several media members and X users wondered if Donovan’s arrival gives the Spurs a ready-made replacement should Johnson struggle again.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor was among those who praised the hire while hinting at that possibility.
“Great addition for the Spurs. Having a veteran presence will help. And if things sour with Mitch Johnson, well, he’s a great backup plan,” O’Connor wrote.
Great addition for the Spurs. Having a veteran presence will help. And if things sour with Mitch Johnson, well, he’s a great backup plan. https://t.co/uDjyuDgyoh
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) July 2, 2026
One X user echoed that sentiment, asserting that Donovan’s hiring serves as a warning for Johnson.
“Coming in as the lead assistant on day one is funny as [expletive] because that’s basically the Spurs way of saying, ‘We would’ve fired your [expletive] for Donovan, but that’s not the Spurs way. Just make sure you listen to this guy’s advice at all times or we just might,'” the user quipped.
The Atlantic’s Jemele Hill responded with a meme captioned, “Billy Donovan looking at the head coaching job.”
Billy Donovan looking at the head coaching job … https://t.co/VdS77O5XZE pic.twitter.com/GDGNC0s9yB
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 2, 2026
Another user, @CuffsTheLegend, joked, “Mitch Johnson better not get too comfortable because that BACKDOOR is OPEN.”
Mitch Johnson better not get too comfortable because that BACKDOOR is OPEN 🚪 😂 https://t.co/E4TLX83745
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) July 2, 2026
Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg joined in with a similar jab, writing, “Sounds like a backup plan.”
Sounds like a backup plan https://t.co/LqebCBuoHK
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) July 2, 2026
Lakers insider Anthony Irwin also questioned the timing of the move.
“So wait, all we heard during the postseason was how [Gregg Popovich] had to keep giving his speeches and now they’re hiring Donovan as training wheels for Johnson? I’d be a little nervous if I was him. This feels a lot like hiring his eventual replacement,” Irwin speculated.
So wait, all we heard during the postseason was how Pop had to keep giving his speeches and now they’re hiring Donovan as training wheels for Johnson? I’d be a little nervous if I was him. This feels a lot like hiring his eventual replacement. https://t.co/QxPqzJLN5j
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 2, 2026
Not everyone viewed the hiring as a troubling sign for Johnson, however.
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright noted that Donovan and Johnson have known each other for years, pointing out that Donovan’s son coached alongside Johnson with the Austin Spurs in 2017.
“Billy Donovan & Mitch Johnson have a strong personal relationship. Donovan’s son, Billy III, coached w/Mitch in ’17 in G League w/the Austin Spurs. Also worth noting Mitch J. & GM Brian Wright are totally in lockstep. Spurs will need 2 replace 3-4 folks off last season’s staff,” Wright shared.
Billy Donovan & Mitch Johnson have a strong personal relationship. Donovan’s son, Billy III, coached w/Mitch in ’17 in G League w/the Austin Spurs. Also worth noting Mitch J. & GM Brian Wright are totally in lockstep.
Spurs will need 2 replace 3-4 folks off last season’s staff.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) July 3, 2026
Regardless of how the hire is interpreted, Donovan will have an important role as San Antonio looks to return to the Finals. His experience managing playoff adjustments, late-game situations, and player relationships gives the Spurs another respected voice for a young roster with championship aspirations.
