San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has been named a head coach for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, capping a chaotic day that included travel delays and a win over the Orlando Magic. The announcement was made on February 2, 2026, following the Spurs’ 112-103 victory, which improved their record to 33-16, securing Johnson the coaching nod based on the team’s second-best standing in the Western Conference.
Johnson, in his first full season as the Spurs’ head coach after taking over from legendary coach Gregg Popovich, has guided the team to a remarkable turnaround. San Antonio’s 33-16 mark is its best through 49 games since the 2016-17 season, with the team excelling in clutch situations, boasting 17 clutch wins and an offensive rating of 124.8 in those moments. This success has been a key factor in Johnson earning the All-Star honor, which reflects both his coaching acumen and the players’ performance.
The day leading up to the announcement was fraught with challenges. The Spurs had been snowed in in Charlotte after a loss to the Hornets, and their attempted flight home was diverted to Atlanta due to a mechanical issue, causing the game against the Magic to be delayed by several hours. Despite the hectic travel, the team managed to land in San Antonio nearly 4.5 hours before tipoff and secured the win, with forward Keldon Johnson describing the flight as “a little scary” but praising the pilot’s handling of the situation.
The 2026 All-Star Game will feature a new “U.S. vs. World” format, with three teams competing in a round-robin tournament. Johnson will coach one of these teams, joining Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who earned the honor for the East. Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was ineligible to coach this year as he led a team in the 2025 All-Star Game, paving the way for Johnson’s selection after the Spurs edged out the Denver Nuggets for the best record among eligible West coaches.
Johnson’s journey to this point has been swift; he served as acting coach for 77 games last season after Popovich’s health issues and was formally introduced as head coach this season. Upon the announcement, Johnson expressed humility, stating, “It would be an honor and humbling to be able to be a part of All-Star Weekend with the best players in this league,” and emphasized that the recognition reflects the team’s hard work.
Spurs players celebrated the news, with All-Star starter Victor Wembanyama noting, “I’m so happy for him. I don’t know how many [coaches] have done this in his first season or first-and-a-half.” The achievement marks Johnson as only the second All-Star Game head coach in Spurs history, following Popovich in 2016, and highlights his rapid ascent in the coaching ranks.
Looking ahead, Johnson and his staff will prepare for the All-Star Weekend, scheduled from February 15 in Inglewood, California. This appointment not only honors Johnson’s coaching efforts but also signals the Spurs’ return to prominence in the NBA, setting the stage for potential playoff success and further accolades in the seasons to come.
