John Welch

John Welch (born February 17, 1963) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the associate head coach at Fresno State. He previously served as assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played professionally in New Zealand where in 1988, he earned Most Outstanding Guard and All-Star Five honors playing for Waitemata. Throughout his coaching career, he has worked with or worked under various notable basketball people, including Jerry Tarkanian, Jerry West, Hubie Brown, George Karl and Tim Grgurich.

Early life Born in Portland, Maine, Welch attended Rancho High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada and was an All-State selection. He later played college basketball for Nevada and UNLV before starting a successful coaching career.

Coaching career

Fresno State At Fresno State, Welch worked under head coach Jerry Tarkanian, a 2013 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach inductee.

Denver Nuggets Welch worked under George Karl during his tenure with the Denver Nuggets. Karl expressed his appreciation towards Welch, saying, "he's got great passion ... [and] tries something every day that we can get better at."

Brooklyn Nets Welch began his tenure with the Nets in 2013, the first season Jason Kidd was head coach.

Sacramento Kings On July 31, 2015, Welch was hired by the Sacramento Kings to be an assistant coach.

Los Angeles Clippers On September 23, 2016, Welch was hired as an assistant coach by the Los Angeles Clippers, and served in the position until November 16, 2020.

Ostioneros de Guaymas On February 22, 2022, Welch was hired as the head coach of the Ostioneros de Guaymas, a Mexican team in the Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacífico (CIBACOPA).

Kentucky On May 22, 2023, Welch was hired as an assistant coach by the Kentucky Wildcats.