Mario Elie had already waited two years for an NBA coaching job. So, when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich called Wednesday to say he had a staff opening, Elie certainly wasn't going to hold out for an offer.

"Pop," Elie said, interrupting Popovich 15 seconds into his pitch, "I'm your man."

Four years after helping prod the Spurs to their first championship, Elie is bringing his fiery, yet infectious, personality back to the team as an assistant coach.

He replaces Mike Brown, who left Wednesday to become Rick Carlisle's lead assistant in Indiana.

"I'm the happiest man in the world right now," Elie said. "When I retired two years ago, I let everyone know I wanted to get into coaching. I didn't burn any bridges and just tried to stay patient. Now I'm getting to go to a first-class organization where I know and like the guys. I'm just ecstatic."