Mitch Johnson Makes Unbeatable Case for Coach of the Year

Mitch Johnson guided the San Antonio Spurs to 62 wins in the 2025-26 season. That total was the franchise’s highest since 2014.

Unexpected promotion and early tests

Johnson assumed lead coaching duties after Greg Popovich suffered a stroke in November 2024. Popovich later moved into a front-office role as President of Basketball Operations.

The change forced Johnson into the biggest assignment of his career. He was charged with shifting the Spurs from a rebuild to sustained contention.

Turnaround from a rocky prior season

The Spurs missed the playoffs the previous year. They had been 21-25 before Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending blood clot.

San Antonio rose from 13th in the West at the end of that campaign to the second seed in 2026. The improvement was dramatic and sustained.

Roster construction and strategic choices

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs selected Dylan Harper with the second overall pick. That pick intensified a guard-heavy group alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Johnson tested numerous lineup configurations. The offense responded and produced elite results.

Player development under Johnson

Stephon Castle emerged as a much-improved playmaker and scorer. Dylan Harper finished well in the paint and added perimeter shooting after the All-Star break.

Johnson balanced individual growth with team success. Young players advanced through repetition and clear role definitions.

How he compares to other coaches

Joe Mazzulla led the Boston Celtics despite low preseason expectations. JB Bickerstaff pushed the Detroit Pistons to the East’s top seed and 60 wins.

Those resumes are notable. Yet Johnson’s blend of roster construction and in-season adjustments makes his case compelling.

The Coach of the Year argument

Mitch Johnson has made an unbeatable case for Coach of the Year honors. He delivered 62 wins while navigating injuries and a sudden promotion.

The Spurs’ two-way performance and player development strengthen his claim. The last Spurs coach to reach 62 wins was Popovich in 2014.

Filmogaz.com will track award announcements and postseason developments. Johnson remains the most prominent first-time head coach candidate this season.