Spurs' Mitch Johnson latest to succeed iconic head coach - ESPN

On Friday, legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich transitioned from head coach of the team to a front office role. While he was making good progress in his recovery from a November 2024 stroke, the day-to-day grind of coaching an NBA franchise became too much for him.

He'll be succeeded by Mitch Johnson, who led the team to a 31-45 record after taking over for Popovich for the remainder of last season. Johnson has his work cut out for him — Popovich won five NBA titles with the team and his 1,422 wins are an NBA record. Fortunately, it's not unprecedented for someone following a legendary coach to have success — but it's not easy.

Here's a cross sport look at other coaches who followed legendary names.

Calipari's resume with the Wildcats was incredible — 410-122, a national title in the 2011-12 season, and seven appearances in the Sweet 16. After he left last season, Mark Pope took over ably, leading the team to a 24-12 record and another Sweet 16.

Harbaugh left the Wolverines on top, having led his alma mater to its first national championship since 1997. Moore's promotion to co-offensive coordinator (later taking sole control of the position) coincided with Michigan's best run under Harbaugh, with the Wolverines beating the Ohio State Buckeyes and making the College Football Playoff in three straight years. Moore led the Wolverines' offensive line to Joe Moore Award victories in 2021 and 2022.

Moore has already been Michigan's game-day coach on five separate occasions, leading the Wolverines to victories over the Bowling Green Falcons, Penn State Nittany Lions, Maryland Terrapins and Ohio State in 2023 with Harbaugh suspended. He led the Wolverines to an 8-5 record in his first season, had a 13-10 upset