John Killilea

John P. Killilea (June 19, 1928 – January 27, 1996) was an American basketball coach and scout. He served as the assistant coach to four National Basketball Association (NBA) team; the Boston Celtics (1972–77), the Milwaukee Bucks (1977–1983), the New Jersey Nets (1983–85), the Houston Rockets (1989–1993). Killilea was hired by the Topeka Sizzlers of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) as their head coach in 1986 and served in that capacity until he was fired in January 1988 after being called for 15 technical fouls and ejected from three games.

Early life Killilea graduated from Quincy High School in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1945. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Army Infantry Branch. Killilea enrolled at Boston University in 1948. He was named captain of the freshman basketball team.

In 1952, Killilea graduated from Boston University with a degree in physical education. His combined high school head coaching record was 314–90.

Killilea was the first person in the Boston Celtics organization to scout Larry Bird. According to Killilea, Bird was "the best passing forward since Rick Barry."

In 1977, Don Nelson was hired as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Nelson at first suggested his former assistant coach with the Celtics, John Killilea, for the job. When the Bucks insisted they wanted Nelson at the head coach position he brought Killilea on as his assistant. United Press International reporter Michael V. Uschan wrote an article on March 20, 1981, titled "Nelson matures as Bucks coach". It noted that, "Nelson depends on Killilea more than most other NBA coaches depend on their assistants". Killilea's salary with the Bucks was reportedly an annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000, a figure he claimed was comparable to an NBA head coaching salary.

"To have success in a competitive world you have to be an egoist. But you don't have to be an ass" — John Killilea — The Bangor Daily News, 1981

Before the 1983–84 season, Killilea joined the New Jersey Nets as an assistant coach under Stan Albeck.

An August 1983 United Press International report described Killilea as, "one of the most defense-minded coaches in the [NBA]."

Killilea was hired as the head coach for the Topeka Sizzlers of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in July 1986. His combined win–loss record with Topeka was 39–45. Killilea was fired in January 1988 and replaced by his assistant coach, John Darr. Killilea coached Topeka to a 13–17 record during the 1987–88 season and was called for 15 technical fouls.

Killilea died of cardiac arrest while boarding a flight in Denver, Colorado.