Mitch Johnson will begin a new career chapter as the Spurs’ next head coach after Gregg Popovich stepped down and transitioned to the role of president of basketball operations on Friday,

Popovich had begun to loosen the reins a little, allowing Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili more freedom to explore while still feeding Duncan in the post. And then later, letting everyone know who would listen that a quiet youngster named Kawhi Leonard would carry the franchise after Duncan’s days were done.

The San Antono Spurs announced that Gregg Popovich will no longer coach the team after close to three decades on the sidelines.