Mitch Johnson extended his hand. Gregg Popovich shook it, then pulled him in for a hug instead.

And with that, the torch was officially passed. It’s a new era in San Antonio.

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

“Things are getting better by the day, but it’s not good enough for what we plan ahead,” Popovich said. “So, it’s time to make this change.”

Flanked by Spurs greats Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili as he stood at a lectern, the 76-year-old Popovich — speaking far more softly than he has in the past — said his health is improving and that he fully believes in Johnson.

Popovich will remain with the Spurs as team president, and the leadership of the team — including CEO R.C. Buford and general manager Brian Wright — isn’t changing. Nor will the team’s ideals, Popovich said.

Popovich removed his jacket before bringing Johnson to the podium, revealing a T-shirt with his new title: “El Jefe,” it said, the Spanish phrase for “the boss.” The back of the shirt said “Senor Popovich.”

“I’m no longer coach,” Popovich said. “I’m ‘El Jefe.’”

Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year >> Kenny Atkinson went through a winless preseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers and wondered if his team would be any good.

Turns out, they were better than good.

And their coach — he was the NBA’s best this season.Atkinson is now an NBA Coach of the Year winner, announced as this year’s recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy. Atkinson led Cleveland to a 15-0 start to the season — one of three winning streaks of at least 12 games this season by his club — and led the Cavaliers to the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Jazz extend coach Hardy >> Will Hardy is being given more time to continue the rebuild of the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz announced that Hardy has signed a contract extension, one that could keep him as head coach through the 2030-31 season. He’ll enter his fourth season with the Jazz next fall.

Hardy has gone 85-161 in his first three seasons, missing the playoffs in each of those three years.

NFL

Browns’ Bush accused of assault >> Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush was charged with harassment and misdemeanor simple assault over the weekend after allegedly chasing a woman through his house in suburban Pittsburgh and smashing her cellphone.

Officers said they responded to a 911 call on Sunday from the home in Sewickley, where a woman identified only as Bush’s girlfriend alleged he assaulted her, took her car keys and broke the phone to prevent her from calling for help.

Bush, 26, is a former first-round draft pick who spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one in Seattle before signing with the Browns last year.

Ravens release Tucker >> The Baltimore Ravens announced they are releasing kicker Justin Tucker, months after the NFL said it would look into reporting by the Baltimore Banner that more than a dozen massage therapists had accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior — and shortly after the team drafted another kicker.

Tucker has maintained he did not act inappropriately while receiving professional treatment.