Spurs' Mitch Johnson and Jazz's Will Hardy Built a Friendship on Popovich's Staff

November 2, 2026 - 23:53

When Mitch Johnson and Will Hardy first crossed paths, neither was anywhere near the head of an NBA bench. Both were working as assistants under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, learning the craft of coaching from one of the most respected figures in basketball history. That shared experience became the foundation of a friendship that has carried into their current roles on opposite sidelines.

Johnson now leads the Spurs as head coach, while Hardy has taken charge of the Utah Jazz. Their paths diverged professionally, but the bond formed during those long hours of film study, practice planning, and quiet conversations in the Spurs facility has remained intact. The two developed a mutual respect that went beyond the usual collegial relationship between staff members.

Working under Popovich demanded attention to detail and a willingness to absorb lessons without shortcuts. Johnson and Hardy both embraced that environment, and their shared commitment helped them build trust in one another. They traded ideas, challenged each other's thinking, and grew comfortable enough to be honest about mistakes and blind spots.

That kind of relationship is rare in a league where assistant coaches often compete for the same opportunities. Johnson and Hardy managed to keep their friendship separate from ambition, supporting each other's growth even as their careers pointed toward different destinations.

Now, when their teams meet, the matchup carries a personal dimension. The friendship that started in San Antonio continues to shape how both coaches approach their work, and it serves as a reminder that the best professional relationships often begin in the least glamorous moments of the job.