San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson is expected to serve as interim coach indefinitely while Gregg Popovich is dealing with a “health issue,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Charania reported that the situation for Popovich arose before Saturday’s 113-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 75-year-old was not on the bench due to an unknown illness.

“Mitch did a great job,” point guard Chris Paul said after the win. “Things happen all the time in this league, and just like with players, it’s ‘next man up.’ So shout out to Mitch.”

Johnson began his coaching career in 2016 with the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He moved to San Antonio in 2019 and steadily moved up the bench with the departures of Tim Duncan, Becky Hammon and Will Hardy.

Popovich’s reputation precedes him. He is widely considered one of the best head coaches ever, with five titles and a record of 1,391 regular season wins.

With Spurs on their way to 22 wins and a total rebuild in 2022-23, it appeared his legendary career was coming to an end. Then San Antonio won the 2023 draft lottery and earned the right to take Victor Wembanyama first overall.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Popovich signed a five-year contract reportedly worth more than $80 million ahead of the 2023-2024 season. That eliminated any doubt about his short-term future.

Spurs equaled their record of 22-60 despite the arrival of Wembanyama and his immediate emergence as a unique talent. Their 3-3 start points to what should be some progress on the field this year.