7 'Spurs Family' head coach candidates to consider if Gregg Popovich retires

The San Antonio Spurs had a rough week. Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the season with a blood clot. It likely eliminates them from contention and leaves several unanswered questions moving forward. Shams Charania added to those when he announced Gregg Popovich won’t return to the bench this season. The legend suffered a stroke in November and has not coached since.

Will Pop coach again? The 76-year-old has been leading the Spurs since 1996. Nobody knows if they will be searching for a new voice, but the franchise should be making contingency plans for every scenario.

Coach Pop has quite the coaching tree after nearly 30 years leading the Spurs. San Antonio is known for their culture and will likely choose a successor who is familiar with the franchise’s way. If Popovich is out, here are seven names worth keeping an eye on.

7. Mitch Johnson

Johnson took over as acting head coach when Popovich went out on Nov. 2. The Spurs are 22-27 with leading the team, but the wins go on coach Pop’s record. Fans may not be thrilled with what the 38-year-old has done thus far, but Johnson is replacing a legend in a turbulent season.

The Spurs are 5-8 since leaving for Paris. Wemby struggled over that stretch, and the Spurs made a blockbuster trade for a new starting point guard. Johnson has faced every challenge. There are high standards in San Antonio. Johnson deserves more time to prove he is capable of thriving in this role.

The 38-year-old may have the inside track if Popovich retires, but the Spurs will have no shortage of options, including another longtime Spur who is currently on their bench.

6. Brett Brown

Brown returned to the Spurs in 2022 after seven years as the 76ers head coach. He led Philly through The Process era and back into contention. Brown was fired after three straight playoff appearances, and the Sixers have yet to take the next step.

Brown was an assistant under coach Pop from 2007-2013 but had been with the Spurs since 2002. He is close with the legendary coach, and the 64-year-old may be the answer if San Antonio needs a permanent head coach.

The Spurs won’t just consider coaches already on their bench. There are several other former assistants under Pop that should be of interest.

5. James Borrego

Borrego started his NBA coaching journey with the Spurs and had two stints as an assistant with the franchise. He was in San Antonio from 2003-2010 and 2015-2018.

Borrego left to be the Hornets head coach following his second stint. He led Charlotte to a winning record in 2022 as they finished eighth in offensive rating but was let go after four seasons.

Borrego is now leading the Pelicans offense as an assistant coach. The 47-year-old is hungry for another head coaching opportunity and would love to be Pop’s successor. Borrego failed to make the playoffs in his four years leading the Hornets, and the Spurs may search for a more established track record.

4. Mike Budenholzer

Coach Bud was with the Spurs from 1994 to 2013. He helped the franchise win four rings and translated the success into a head coaching gig.

Budenholzer is on his third team. He transformed the Hawks into a contender before winning a championship in Milwaukee. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Bucks moved on in 2023, but he is now in Phoenix. The Suns are struggling and may make a change this offseason.

Coach Bud won a championship and missed the playoffs just once in a decade as a head coach. Doubt him at your own risk. Mike Budenholzer is the answer if the Spurs want a championship head coach with ties to their organization.

3. Will Hardy

Hardy is one of the best young head coaches in the NBA. The 37-year-old has not seen much success in his three years leading the Jazz, but they are rebuilding. Hardy helped Lauri Markkanen become an All-Star and has done well at maximizing his talent.

He started his NBA coaching career with the Spurs. Hardy spent six seasons learning under Pop and was there for the end of their incredible run.

The Jazz have him under contract through the 2026-27 season, but it is not often the Spurs have a head coaching vacancy. Could San Antonio make a trade and give Will Hardy a chance to prove himself on a team eager to compete? Crazier things have happened.

2. Becky Hammon

Hammon spent years on the Spurs bench before leaving to be the head coach for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. The six-time All-Star led them to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. She is one of the best point guards in the history of the W and is now creating an iconic coaching resume.

Would Hammon come back to the NBA to replace Pop? Do not rule it out. Becky Hammon would be the first female head coach in league history, but is she willing to give up her role with the Aces? Only time will tell. Hammon is an elite coach and one the Spurs would love to bring back.

1. Mike Brown

Brown helped the Kings snap a 16-year-old playoff drought in 2022 and had everyone talking about lighting the beam. He appeared to be a long-term fit in Sacramento before being fired after 31 games this season.

Brown has been a head coach for the Cavaliers, Lakers, and Kings. He helped LeBron reach the NBA Finals in 2007 and has narrowly missed a few other opportunities. His 454-304 record as a head coach speaks volumes. He was a Spurs assistant in the early 2000s and is eager to get back on the bench.

The San Antonio Spurs have no shortage of options if Gregg Popovich decides to end his legendary career. Keeping Mitch Johnson may be the answer or bringing back someone with vast experience in the franchise’s culture. It is not a decision the franchise wants to make, but expect them to nail it with the help of Pop.