The San Antonio Spurs have a new head coach in 2025 for the first time in nearly three decades. Gregg Popovich, who turned the Spurs into a dynasty, has stepped down from the role, mostly because of health issues. Popovich’s impact on the franchise was massive, but those who came before him also helped shape the team’s rich history.
Every Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs began as the Dallas Chaparrals in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967. After some tough years in Dallas, the team changed its name to the Texas Chaparrals in 1971. But even with the new name, the team still struggled to find fans.
Everything changed in 1973 when 36 San Antonio businessmen, led by Angelo Drossos and Red McCombs, bought the team and moved it to San Antonio. That’s when the Spurs name took hold and the team started to find its place.
Cliff Hagan was the first head coach of the Spurs. He also played during the team’s early seasons. Here’s a full list of every head coach the Spurs have had from 1967 to 2025:
- Cliff Hagan: 1967-70
- Max Williams: 1970
- Bill Blakeley: 1970-71
- Tom Nissalke: 1971-72
- Babe McCarthy: 1972-73
- Dave Brown: 1973
- Tom Nissalke: 1973-74
- Bob Bass: 1974-76
- Doug Moe: 1976-80
- Bob Bass: 1980
- Stan Albeck: 1980-83
- Morris McHone: 1983
- Bob Bass: 1983-84
- Cotton Fitzsimmons: 1984-86
- Bob Weiss: 1986-88
- Larry Brown: 1988-92
- Bob Bass: 1992
- Jerry Tarkanian: 1992
- Rex Hughes: 1992
- John Lucas II: 1992-94
- Bob Hill: 1994-96
- Gregg Popovich: 1996-2025
- Mitch Johnson: 2025-present
Popovich was more than a head coach. He became part of the game’s foundation. Players like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker all developed into stars while playing for him.
With those players, the Spurs were always tough in the playoffs. They even beat legends like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Popovich ended his career with 1,422 wins and 869 losses, a 62% winning percentage. No other coach in NBA history has more wins.
Congratulations to Spurs legend Gregg Popovich on an illustrious career 🙌
1,422 regular season wins (NBA record) 170 playoff wins (3rd all-time) 22 consecutive playoff appearances (NBA record) 5x NBA Champion 3x NBA Coach of the Year Olympic Gold Medalist Basketball Hall of… pic.twitter.com/ZnErWUokvd — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 2, 2025
Popovich first joined the Spurs in 1988 as an assistant coach. Six years later, he moved to the roles of general manager and vice president of basketball operations. After a short time as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, Popovich named himself head coach in 1996.
Under his leadership, the Spurs won five NBA championships. He was named NBA Coach of the Year three times and also led the U.S. Men’s National Team to Olympic gold. Mitch Johnson, who played in the NBA G League and in Europe, has taken over as head coach. He will look to keep the Spurs’ winning tradition alive.
