‘El Jefe’ passes coaching torch

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Monday his health was improving following a stroke but said the time had come for him to pass the reins to assistant Mitch Johnson.

In his first public remarks since suffering a stroke in November, National Basketball Association (NBA) icon Popovich appeared at a press conference flanked by former players Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan as he formally introduced Johnson.

The Spurs announced on Friday Popovich was stepping down as head coach after 29 seasons that included leading San Antonio to five NBA championships.

“I can never express the gratitude that I have for so many people, sending me thoughts and prayers since I had this stroke,” Popovich told reporters, speaking slowly and softly.

“Things are getting better by the day but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead so it’s time to make this change.”

Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, a role he jokingly referred to after revealing a slogan on his t-shirt which read “El Jefe” — Spanish for “the boss.”

“I’m no longer coach, I’m El Jefe,” he quipped.

Popovich said Johnson had his full support to build on his legacy as Spurs coach, adding the 38-year-old had the backing of the team’s talented young squad.

“One of the reasons that I’m doing this now is that we have to have someone in charge who’s fully capable of giving their very best because that’s what this group deserves and demands and we have that man here in San Antonio,” Popovich said.

“(He) took over this year and did a fantastic job with circumstances that were very difficult and we saw him in action and he was brilliant. The players respect him, he’ll hold them accountable. I’ll do everything I can to help him and help them.”

Johnson, meanwhile, said he owed his promotion to the example set by Popovich in the decade since he began working with the Spurs organization.

“Where do I begin? You’ve taught me so many things, led by example in so many ways,” Johnson said of Popovich.