Jack McKinney

Jack McKinney was an American basketball coach and former college player best known for his NBA coaching career and his long tenure at Saint Joseph’s University.

Jack McKinney was an American basketball coach and former college player best known for his NBA coaching career and long tenure at Saint Joseph's University. He served as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, and Kansas City Kings. McKinney was recognized for helping shape the Lakers' fast-paced style associated with the early Showtime era.

Early life and college career

McKinney was a native of Chester, Pennsylvania, and attended Saint Joseph's University. As a player, he spent three varsity seasons from 1954 to 1957 and contributed to major program milestones, including the school's first Big 5 title and first postseason appearance.

Saint Joseph's coaching career

He later returned to Saint Joseph's as head coach, leading the program from 1966 to 1974. During that period he also served as the school's athletic director. Sources describe him as one of the most successful coaches in school history, and he was later inducted into multiple Saint Joseph's and Philadelphia basketball halls of fame.

NBA coaching career

McKinney worked as an NBA assistant and was part of Portland's 1977 NBA championship team. He became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, and later coached the Indiana Pacers and Kansas City Kings. While with the Pacers in 1981, he was named NBA Coach of the Year.

Legacy

McKinney is often associated with the early development of the Lakers' fast-paced offense that later became linked to the Showtime era. His career is also remembered for his contributions as a college coach, assistant coach, and program builder.