NBA champion coach is out indefinitely due to undisclosed illness

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely while he recovers from an undisclosed health issue he suffered before Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Popovich, 75, did not travel with the Spurs on their road trip to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. According to ESPN, assistant coach Mitch Johnson is expected to serve as the Spurs' interim coach for both games.

The Spurs return home for a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

“He’s not doing well,” Johnson said of Popovich. “This has happened before. I think everyone always needs to be prepared for the next guy. We deal with injuries and sometimes people get sick or don't feel well or things happen in life. He’s just not feeling well.”

The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 113-103 on Saturday in San Antonio.

“Mitch did a great job, man,” Spurs guard Chris Paul said after Saturday’s win. “I think our entire coaching staff did. Things are always happening in this league, and just like with players, it's the next man up that matters. So, greetings to Mitch.”

Popovich is the NBA's all-time leader in coaching wins with 1,391 wins, as well as 170 postseason victories and five NBA championships in 29 seasons, all with the Spurs.