Gregg Popovich spoke publicly Monday for the first time since suffering a stroke six months ago, saying at the news conference where the San Antonio Spurs formally introduced Mitch Johnson as his replacement that the time was right to make that move.

While no one expected Popovich to announce his retirement plans early and accept a year-long retirement tour, his departure from the sidelines was far more abrupt than he or anyone would've intended.

Gregg Popovich wasted no time in warming to his new job with the San Antonio Spurs. The team held a press conference Monday to introduce Mitch Johnson as the new permanent head coach. Johnson earned the promotion after Popovich stepped down and assumed the full-time role as president of basketball operations.