John Calipari hires John Welch to Kentucky coaching staff

John Calipari has officially added longtime NBA assistant coach John Welch to his staff at Kentucky.

The native of Portland, Maine has been in talks to join Calipari’s staff since the start of the offseason. Now, the Kentucky head coach is ready to announce Welch as a new addition.

“John Welch has been involved in every level of basketball and been an important part of the development of NBA careers for guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Pau Gasol, DeMarcus Cousins, Blake Griffin and Brook Lopez,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “He loves the game and will be a tremendous asset to our young players and our staff. John has worked closely for decades with Vance Walberg, who developed the dribble-drive offense, and was a pioneer of bringing it to the NBA. With the strength of our guards and perimeter players we need to get back to that style of play. John will be involved heavily in our offensive strategy and will be our lead coach in on-court player development. We’re excited to have him join our program.”

The 60-year-old coaching veteran is the father of former Kentucky walk-on and graduate assistant Riley Welch. He joined the NBA ranks back in 2002 and stayed through 2020, spending time with the Memphis Grizzlies (2002-05), Denver Nuggets (2005-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15), Sacramento Kings (2015-16) and Los Angeles Clippers (2016-20). Welch began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UNLV — where he played college basketball from 1985-86 — followed by stints at Long Beach State (1993-95) and Fresno State (1995-02).

Welch has worked alongside the likes of legendary basketball figures Jerry Tarkanian, Jerry West, Hubie Brown, George Karl, Doc Rivers and Jason Kidd across his 34-year coaching career. Now, he’s set to take his talents to Lexington, joining Calipari’s coaching staff at Kentucky.

He will be tasked as serving as a vital part of Calipari’s offensive strategy, while being a primary contributor to UK’s scouting and game-planning. Furthermore, Welch will be integral in the development and implementation of all individual on-court player training. This will include individual workouts and film sessions to improve skills, decision making and efficiency.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Kentucky basketball program,” Welch said. “I look forward to working with Coach Cal and his tremendous coaching and support staff. Helping players grow and develop has always been my passion as a coach, and I can’t wait to get in the gym with our team this summer. It is an honor to become a part of Big Blue Nation’s proud basketball tradition and have the opportunity to assist in the continued success of the premier program in college basketball.”

Welch will take one of five on-court positions going into the 2023-24 season, joining the likes of Orlando Antigua, Chin Coleman and Bruiser Flint. Calipari has one opening remaining on his staff.