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There’s a new face leading the San Antonio Spurs, and while it’s not a household name like Gregg Popovich. It carries weight behind the scenes. Mitch Johnson, often seen calmly pacing the sidelines beside Pop, has stepped into the spotlight. But as fans adjust to the shake-up, many are left asking; who really is Mitch Johnson? And what has he accomplished in the game to be handed the keys to a historic franchise like the Spurs?

The move didn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, Johnson has long been groomed as a successor. Popovich’s trust in him was never subtle. From heading the Spurs’ Summer League squad to helping develop young talents like Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, Johnson has played a silent but significant role. With the Spurs eyeing a future around Victor Wembanyama, his promotion is more than just a change. It’s a signal of the franchise’s direction.

Let’s break down Mitch Johnson’s rise, from his net worth and current salary to his past on the court.

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What is Mitch Johnson’s net worth in 2025?

While Mitch Johnson doesn’t rank among the millionaire coaches just yet, his net worth reflects a steady climb through the NBA’s coaching ladder. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at around $1 million.

Most of that comes from his salary as an assistant coach with the Spurs. Before stepping in as interim head coach, Johnson had been with the team in a developmental role since 2016. As he climbed the ranks, first as player development coordinator, then assistant coach; his compensation followed suit.

It’s worth noting that the Spurs are known for retaining coaching talent long-term, and Johnson’s years of loyalty likely came with contract bumps and performance bonuses, especially during Summer League and G League assignments. Though he’s not splurging on million-dollar mansions just yet, his financial trajectory is clearly heading upward.

What is Mitch Johnson’s salary and contract as the head coach of San Antonio Spurs?

With his sudden rise to the head coaching role (even if interim), Mitch Johnson likely saw a substantial increase in salary. While exact contract terms haven’t been made public, industry standards give us a pretty solid range.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Mitch Johnson the right choice to lead the Spurs, or is he just Popovich's shadow?

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Most assistant coaches in the NBA make between $200,000 and $1 million per year. Johnson, as a longtime Spurs assistant with extra responsibilities in player development and Summer League head coaching, was likely earning in the upper tier; around $800,000 to $1 million annually before this promotion.

Now, stepping in as interim head coach, his salary likely jumped closer to $2 million per year. For reference, other first-time head coaches like Joe Mazzulla and Adrian Griffin were earning in the $2–3 million range. If the Spurs decide to hand him the full-time gig, expect his salary to align similarly.

The terms of his current deal may still be temporary, but the exposure and trust from Popovich suggest he’s being tested for long-term leadership. With Wemby entering his prime years, the Spurs won’t take this decision lightly.

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What were Mitch Johnson’s career stats?

Before stepping into a suit, Mitch Johnson wore the jersey. Though his pro playing career didn’t stretch into the NBA, he made a decent mark in college and in the G League.

At Stanford University, Johnson was a solid floor general. Over four years (2005–2009), he averaged 5.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. He wasn’t a flashy scorer, but his playmaking and leadership were standout traits. In his senior year, he ranked second in the Pac-10 in assists, showing signs of the court vision that would later translate into coaching.

After college, Johnson played briefly in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce during the 2009–10 season. He didn’t put up major numbers, but he absorbed the grind of professional basketball: a quality that players respect when it comes from a coach.

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Johnson then turned toward coaching, joining the Spurs’ staff in 2016. Since then, he’s helped develop multiple young talents and earned head coaching experience during Summer League campaigns. Under his guidance, the Spurs’ Summer League teams posted competitive records and saw strong individual growth from players like Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham.

It’s not about rings or points for Johnson. His career stats might not jump off the page, but his resume is built on trust, mentorship, and understanding the Spurs system to its core.

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"Is Mitch Johnson the right choice to lead the Spurs, or is he just Popovich's shadow?"

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