May
On May 5, 2025, Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s winningest coach, marked a pivotal moment for the San Antonio Spurs with humor and heart. After 29 seasons as head coach, Popovich stepped down following a mild stroke in November 2024, transitioning to President of Basketball Operations. At a press conference introducing new head coach Mitch Johnson, Popovich unzipped his jacket to reveal a black t-shirt with “El Jefe”—Spanish for “The Boss”—printed in white, and “Señor Popovich” on the back. Flanked by Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, the 76-year-old’s declaration, “I’m no longer coach, I’m El Jefe,” drew laughter and applause, signaling a new era for the Spurs. Fans can celebrate this moment with their own El Jefe shirt and join the legacy.
Popovich’s ‘El Jefe’ Moment: A Blend of Humor and Legacy
Popovich’s reveal of the “El Jefe” shirt was more than a playful gesture—it symbolized his enduring leadership within the Spurs organization. After a health scare that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season, Popovich decided the grind of coaching was too taxing, as reported by ESPN. Yet, his move to the front office ensures his influence remains strong. The t-shirt, unveiled with the help of Duncan and Ginobili, reflects Popovich’s dry humor, a trait that has endeared him to players and fans alike. It also nods to his cultural awareness, embracing a Spanish phrase on Cinco de Mayo, a fitting choice for a coach who has always championed diversity in the NBA.
"I'm no longer coach, I'm 'El Jefe.'" 😅
—Gregg Popovich on his new role as Spurs president of basketball operations
(via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/JhKZa8MVDD
— ESPN (@espn) May 5, 2025
Popovich’s 29-year tenure as coach brought five NBA championships, 1,422 regular-season wins, and a gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His impact extends beyond stats—coaches like Steve Kerr and Ime Udoka credit him for shaping their careers, and he broke barriers by hiring Becky Hammon as the first female NBA assistant coach in 2014. The “El Jefe” shirt, now a fan favorite, encapsulates his commanding presence as he shifts focus to building a championship roster around young stars like Victor Wembanyama. While some might see this as a step back, Popovich’s new role positions him to steer the Spurs’ future strategically.
Mitch Johnson Steps Up: A New Era for the Spurs
Mitch Johnson, who served as interim coach after Popovich’s stroke, was officially named head coach on May 5, 2025, with Popovich’s endorsement. Johnson, a 38-year-old Stanford graduate, has been with the Spurs since 2016, starting as a G League assistant before joining Popovich’s staff in 2019. During his interim stint, he led the team to a 34-48 record, earning respect for maintaining stability during a challenging season. Popovich praised Johnson’s accountability and brilliance, noting, “We have that man here in San Antonio,” signaling his confidence in the new coach’s ability to lead.
Johnson inherits a team in transition, with the Spurs missing the playoffs for six straight seasons. However, the roster boasts young talent like Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, offering a foundation for a rebuild. Popovich, as “El Jefe,” will support Johnson from the front office, potentially targeting a top draft pick or a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason, as speculated by Bleacher Report. While Johnson’s inexperience might concern some fans, Popovich’s mentorship and the Spurs’ culture of continuity provide a safety net. The “El Jefe” shirt moment underscores that while the coach has changed, the Spurs’ commitment to excellence remains.
Gregg Popovich’s “El Jefe” shirt reveal on May 5, 2025, was a lighthearted yet powerful symbol of his transition to President of Basketball Operations, as the Spurs welcomed Mitch Johnson as head coach. This moment blends Popovich’s legendary career with a new chapter, ensuring his legacy endures while Johnson takes the reins. Want to honor Popovich’s iconic status? Grab your own El Jefe shirt and support the Spurs as they aim for a championship future. What’s next for Popovich and the Spurs? Let’s watch this new era unfold.
