K. C. Jones (born May 25, 1932 in Taylor, Texas) is a former professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball at the University of San Francisco and, along with Bill Russell, led the Dons to two NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. Jones also played with Russell on the 1956 United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal at the Melbourne Summer Games. During his playing days, he was known as a tenacious defender. Jones spent all of his nine seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, being part of eight championship teams from 1959 to 1966. After Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1967 playoffs, Jones ended his playing career. Jones was the first coach of the San Diego Conquistadors, an American Basketball Association franchise which would have a very short life. A year later, in 1973 he became headcoach of the Capital Bullets (which became the Washington Bullets one year later), coaching them for three seasons. In 1983 he took over as headcoach of the Boston Celtics, replacing Bill Fitch. Jones guided the Larry Bird-lead Celtics to a championship in 1984 and 1986. He briefly coached the Seattle SuperSonics in 1990 and 1991 as well.
"K. C." is his full prenom.
Preceded by: Initial coach San Diego Conquistadors Head Coach 1972-1973 Succeeded by: Wilt Chamberlain Preceded by: Gene Shue Capital Bullets/Washington Bullets Head Coach 1973-1976 Succeeded by: Dick Motta Preceded by: Bill Fitch Boston Celtics Head Coach 1983-1988 Succeeded by: Jimmy Rodgers Preceded by: Bernie Bickerstaff Seattle SuperSonics Head Coach 1990-1992 Succeeded by: George Karl
