Mitch Johnson is smiling about Billy Donovan. The Spurs coach opened up this week about the Hall of Fame hire who joined his staff in the offseason, and the gratitude is easy to hear.
“I don’t want to be naive enough to think that I’m going to be able to tell you what a 61-year-old Hall of Fame coach like Billy Donovan and his resume can bring to the table,” Johnson said. “Obviously, I’m very excited he’s here.”
Johnson’s Measure
Johnson’s answer was measured, but the warmth was clear. He sees Donovan as a resource, not a rival. The two men share a coaching path, and Johnson knows what that means.
“He’s a tremendous person, great personality, fits in seamlessly,” Johnson said. “He’s got worlds of experience and he’s an extremely hard worker. He’s not kicking his feet up and telling stories. He’s rolling his sleeves up and getting his hands dirty. So very, very honored and excited to have him here.”
What Donovan Brings
Donovan’s resume is long. He spent the past 11 seasons as an NBA head coach, most recently the last five years with the Chicago Bulls after six seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His record across those teams: 469 wins and 413 losses.
Before that, he guided the Florida Gators for 19 years, from 1996 to 2015. That stretch included national championships in 2006 and 2007. Florida also made the NCAA title game in 2000 and reached the Final Four four times.
His best professional season came with Oklahoma City in 2016, when the team reached the Western Conference finals in his first season there. That run ended with a loss in the Western Conference finals.
The Opening Move
The Spurs added Donovan to fill a vacancy. Associate head coach and defensive mastermind Sean Sweeney left after the team reached the NBA Finals. Sweeney became coach of the Orlando Magic, a job Donovan reportedly also pursued.
Why Donovan Fits
Johnson’s praise is specific. He pointed to Donovan’s character before his skills.
“He’s going to help all of us and me probably specifically a ton this year,” Johnson said.
The fit is seamless, according to Johnson. Donovan’s experience covers both college and the NBA, and his personality matches the group already in place. Johnson noted that Donovan has rolled his sleeves up and gotten his hands dirty since joining the staff.
The Playoff Pressure
Donovan’s arrival comes after a difficult postseason. Critics hammered Johnson, 39, for some of his decisions during the playoffs, including several against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
San Antonio lost in five games after blowing double-digit leads in each of their losses.
A Long Career
Donovan’s NBA coaching history spans two franchises. His college work at Florida was longer still.
| Coaching Period | Team / Level | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2015 | Florida Gators | National championships: 2006, 2007 |
| 2016 Western Conference finals | Oklahoma City Thunder | Reached finals in first season |
| Past 11 seasons | NBA (Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder) | 469 wins, 413 losses |
The Next Step
Johnson framed the addition in terms of ambition. The Spurs want to take the next step toward becoming a championship team, and Donovan gives him a partner in that pursuit.
The plan is simple: win now, and keep winning. Donovan’s resume speaks for itself.
The Honor Factor
Johnson closed his remarks with a note of humility. He is honored to have Donovan on board, and he means it.
The relationship is new, but the chemistry is obvious. Johnson sees a man who rolls his sleeves up and gets his hands dirty.
The season is young. The pressure remains. But the Spurs have added a Hall of Fame coach to their staff, and that is a statement in itself.
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Source material: “Mitch Johnson opens up about addition of Billy Donovan to Spurs coaching staff,” Yahoo Sports.
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