San Antonio - Mitch Johnson reached out. Gregg Popovich shook and pulled him in and hugged him.

Therefore, the torch was officially passed. This is a new era in San Antonio.

Popovich spoke publicly on Monday since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying in a press conference that the Spurs have officially introduced Johnson as his replacement and that his time is right.

"The day is getting better and better, but it's not good enough for our future plans," Popovich said. "So it's time to make this change."

Popovich's 76-year-old Spurs great Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili's wings - much softer than his past voice, he said his health is improving and he completely trusted Johnson.

Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, with team leaders including CEO RC Buford and general manager Brian Wright unchanged. Popovich said that the team's ideals would not be.

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

Popovich took off his coat before taking to the podium, revealing his new title: "El Jefe" T-shirt, which it says, the word "boss" in Spain.

"I'm not coaching anymore," Popovich said. "I'm 'El Jefe.'"

Moments later, Johnson sat in a seat on a microphone, and Popovich reminded those who gave the gift, “He will do a good job.”

Johnson looked in the direction of Popovich and took a deep breath.

"I'm honored by this opportunity and even more humbled to the people I'm able to work with and serve with," the Spurs' new coach said.

The public appearance of Popovich is a bit surprising. Popovich was surrounded by the Spurs of the past and present - led by Victor Wembanyama - Popovich soon walked into the practice facility, and then spoke by managing partner Peter J. Holt to open the press conference.

Holt worked hard to speak, and the emotions of the day were very clear.

"I can't be him or 'El Jefe'." Johnson said when asked what he would take from Popovich. "But to be able to invest and invest in people and relationships - it might have to yell and hold someone accountable, it could be putting your arms on someone's shoulders and loving them - he does it better than anyone who has ever walked through the lineup. I'll do it as much as I can, no matter how it looks like moving forward."

Popovich - an all-time victorious leader in the NBA, the man who coached the Spurs from 1996 to now, and won five NBA titles in that time - about seven minutes, and kidding first, it wasn't uncommon for him.

He also reflected on it, sometimes even a little emotional. He suffered a stroke on November 2, when the Spurs played the Minnesota Timberwolves that night. Johnson took over as agent coach for the last 77 games of the season, and his promotion was officially announced on Friday.

“I can never express my gratitude to many people who care about the organization and send me thoughts and prayers because I have this stroke,” Popovich said. “It’s getting better now, but it’s not good enough for our plans ahead, so it’s time to make that change.”

Popovich also thanked several people who participated in his recovery, some of whom were at a press conference on Monday at The Rock at La Cantera training institution.

"All the exercises Timmy and Manu are here are here," Popovich said. "They say it's because they love me, they want to be there, just in case I fall, they want to catch me, something like that. I call it a reward. They offer recovered new ideas for what I'm going to do. They're not cheating on anyone."

Popovich thanked former players and coaches for being there, noting that everyone in the Spurs organization (including performers in the race car, those in the ticket office, custodians, curtainists, etc.) plays a role in the team's success. He also praised the fans for their years of support and vowed that the Spurs would not let them down.

"We're all involved," Popovich said. "It's not just the players and the coaches."

Johnson said the core principle of the Spurs - doing things the right way, respecting continuity, always welcoming former players back to the situation - will remain the same.

"The theme of this book has not changed," Johnson said.