Corliss Comes Full Circle: Arkansas Legend and NBA Veteran Corliss Williamson Joins San Antonio Spurs Coaching Staff in Bold New Era After Popovich
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A Razorback legend is stepping into a new chapter of his coaching journey. Corliss Williamson, the iconic Arkansas basketball star and longtime NBA veteran, has officially joined the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff, marking a significant move for both the team and the man once dubbed “Big Nasty.”
The news, first reported by NBA insider Marc Stein, places Williamson alongside new head coach Mitchell Johnson, who takes the helm following Gregg Popovich’s historic 29-year run. Popovich, who recently suffered a stroke, will now serve in an executive role as the Spurs transition into a fresh era of leadership.
A Legacy of Winning — On and Off the Court
Williamson’s impact on basketball is undeniable. As the Most Outstanding Player of the 1994 Final Four, he led the Arkansas Razorbacks to their first and only NCAA National Championship, pouring in 23 points in the title game against Duke. His college career saw him average 19 points per game across three dominant seasons in Fayetteville, followed by a runner-up finish in 1995.
Drafted 13th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Williamson played 12 years in the league, including stints with the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Detroit Pistons — where he earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2002 and helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA Championship.
From College Great to Coaching Veteran
Since retiring as a player in 2007, Williamson has steadily built an impressive coaching résumé. After early stints at Arkansas Baptist and Central Arkansas, he moved into NBA coaching roles with the Kings, Magic, Suns, and most recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he served the past two seasons as an assistant.
His latest move to San Antonio is more than just a new job — it’s a reunion with the competitive spirit and basketball IQ that defined his playing days. The Spurs, who are now developing a youthful core headlined by Victor Wembanyama, will benefit from Williamson’s unique blend of championship experience, player development skills, and southern grit.
The Spurs’ New Era and Williamson’s Role
Joining Mitchell Johnson’s bench, Williamson is expected to play a key role in guiding a rising Spurs team eager to return to championship relevance. As Popovich transitions to the front office, Johnson and Williamson represent a bridge between the franchise’s storied past and its ambitious future.
This isn’t just another coaching hire. It’s the continued evolution of Corliss Williamson’s basketball journey — from NCAA champion to NBA champion, and now a pivotal figure in one of the NBA’s most respected organizations.
