Popovich speaks at press conference to introduce new Spurs coach Johnson

Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead.

And with that, the torch was officially passed. It's a new era in San Antonio.

Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying at the news conference where the Spurs introduced Johnson as his replacement that the time was right to make that move.

"Things are getting better by the day, but it's not good enough for what we plan ahead,” Popovich said. "So, it's time to make this change."

Flanked by Spurs greats Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili as he stood at a lectern, the 76-year-old Popovich — speaking far more softly than he has in the past — said his health is improving and that he fully believes in Johnson.

Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, and the leadership of the team — including CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright — isn't changing. Nor will the team's ideals, Popovich said.

"That's the goal, to make sure we keep it going," Popovich said, adding that he will do everything he can to help Johnson going forward.

Popovich removed his jacket before bringing Johnson to the podium, revealing a T-shirt with his new title: "El jefe," it said, the Spanish phrase for "the boss."

"I'm no longer coach," Popovich said. "I'm 'El Jefe.'"

Popovich's public appearance was a bit of a surprise. Surrounded by a slew of Spurs past and present — Victor Wembanyama leading the way — Popovich walked into the practice facility shortly before managing partner Peter J. Holt spoke to open the news conference.

Holt struggled to get words out at times, the emotion of the day very clear.

"I can't be him or 'El Jefe'", Johnson said when asked what he'll take from Popovich. "But to be able to commit and invest in people and relationships — that can be having to yell and hold someone accountable, and that can be to put your arm around someone's shoulder and love them — and he did it better than anybody that's ever walked the sidelines. And I will attempt to do it my way, whatever that looks like going forward."

Popovich — the NBA's all-time wins leader, someone who coached the Spurs from 1996 until now and won five NBA titles in that span — spoke for about seven minutes, starting by cracking a few jokes, not uncommon for him.

He also turned reflective, at times even a bit emotional. He suffered the stroke on 2 November, hours before the Spurs were playing the Minnesota Timberwolves that night. Johnson took over as acting coach for the final 77 games of the season and his promotion was formally announced Friday.