Longtime NBA assistant coach John Welch has brought his wealth of experience to the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program, joining the staff in May 2023. With nearly two decades coaching in the NBA and almost ten years prior in college basketball, Welch’s arrival signals a significant boost to the Wildcats. He has honed his skills under the tutelage of some of the NBA’s most respected minds, including Doc Rivers, George Karl, Jason Kidd, Hubie Brown, and the legendary Jerry Tarkanian.
Welch’s role at Kentucky is multifaceted and crucial. He is expected to be a key figure in shaping Coach Calipari’s offensive strategies, leveraging his extensive NBA background to bring fresh perspectives. Furthermore, his responsibilities extend to scouting opponents and developing comprehensive game plans. Crucially, John Welch will also be deeply involved in the individual development of players, conducting on-court training sessions and film reviews aimed at enhancing their skills, decision-making, and overall efficiency. This hands-on approach to player improvement underscores Kentucky’s commitment to nurturing talent.
In his most recent NBA position with the Los Angeles Clippers, John Welch contributed to a team that consistently reached the playoffs, notably advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals in 2020. This playoff pedigree is a recurring theme throughout his NBA career.
Before his tenure with the Clippers, Welch coached with the Sacramento Kings (2015-16), where he had the opportunity to work with former Kentucky basketball stars DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Rajon Rondo. His ability to connect with and develop players who have come through the Kentucky program is an added asset. His NBA journey also includes stints with the Brooklyn Nets (2013-15), Denver Nuggets (2005-13), and Memphis Grizzlies (2002-05), showcasing his adaptability and sustained success across different franchises.
During his time with the Brooklyn Nets, the team secured consecutive playoff berths, further demonstrating Welch’s impact on winning basketball. His most extended period was with the Denver Nuggets under George Karl, where the team achieved an impressive streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances. This run included a trip to the 2009 Western Conference Finals and three Northwest Division titles, highlighting Welch’s contribution to a team that consistently competed at the highest level.
Throughout his NBA coaching career, John Welch has been part of coaching staffs that have reached the NBA Playoffs an impressive 15 times, including an unbroken stretch of 12 consecutive seasons. This consistent exposure to high-pressure playoff environments provides him with invaluable insights and experience that he can now bring to Kentucky.
Before making his move to the NBA in 2002, Welch spent seven formative years as an assistant coach to Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State. This period under the guidance of a legendary college coach like Tarkanian laid a strong foundation for his coaching philosophy and approach. His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at UNLV, where he was part of the staff when the Runnin’ Rebels made their memorable Final Four appearance in 1987. During his summers as a graduate assistant, Welch also broadened his horizons by playing professional basketball in New Zealand. He excelled in the New Zealand National Basketball League, earning All-Star Five honors and being recognized as the league’s most outstanding guard in 1988.
Following his time at UNLV, John Welch served as an assistant under Seth Greenberg at Long Beach State, contributing to the 49ers’ NCAA Tournament appearance in 1995. He then rejoined Tarkanian at Fresno State, further solidifying his college coaching credentials before transitioning to the NBA.
Welch’s own playing career began at Nevada before he transferred to UNLV, where he was a member of a team that achieved a remarkable 33-5 record. This playing experience at the collegiate level provides him with a player’s perspective that enhances his coaching.
John Welch is married to his wife, Jean. Their family ties to Kentucky basketball run deep, as their son, Riley, was a two-year letterwinner for the Wildcats and recently completed a stint as a graduate assistant on Calipari’s staff in 2022-23. Welch and his wife also have a daughter, Haley, who is dedicated to public service, working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Welch family’s connection to both basketball and Kentucky makes John Welch’s arrival feel like a natural and exciting fit for the program.
