Logo for arizonabulletin.com
Players
Players

Who Is Jon Harper? Husband And Assistant Coach Of Kellie Harper

Discover the journey of Kellie Harper, head coach, and her husband, Jon Harper, assistant coach of the Lady Vols. Learn about their partnership on and off the court.

Who Is Jon Harper? Husband And Assistant Coach Of Kellie Harper

David Mitchell

Oct 09, 2024

Kellie Harper, a former standout player for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, now serves as a prominent women's basketball coach. Alongside her husband, Jon Harper, who is an assistant coach, the couple has spent years working together in various coaching roles. Jon Harper plays an integral part in the team’s success and support for Kellie’s leadership. Over the years, they have moved between different cities, establishing themselves as a formidable team both on and off the court.

Who Is Kellie Harper's Husband?

Kellie Harper married Jon Harper on May 15, 1999. The couple shares a deep connection, having worked together professionally for more than 20 years. Both have assisted in building strong women's basketball programs, including a long stint at Tennessee. Jon is currently an assistant coach for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, a role he has held since 2019, continuing their professional collaboration. The Harpers have lived in numerous cities, working with several college teams, and have consistently shown commitment to the sportand to each other.

Jon Harper’s Early Life and Career

Jon Harper was born in May 1976 and is currently 47 years old. He completed his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, specializing in either health promotion or sports management. Before coaching, Jon worked as a physical education teacher. He began his coaching career alongside his wife, Kellie, and has been instrumental in her success as a head coach. Over the years, Jon has been integral to the teams they coached, helping Kellie build strong programs at places like Western Carolina and Missouri State.

Jon Harper’s Role as Assistant Coach

Jon Harper has spent more than two decades as an assistant coach, supporting Kellie in their various coaching roles. As of 2024, Jon continues to serve as an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. He has played a significant role in the team's recent success, including leading the Lady Bears to national prominence in Missouri and contributing to the Lady Vols' NCAA Tournament runs. Despite their successes, Kellie Harper was let go as head coach in April 2024 after a five-year stint at Tennessee, prompting a search for a new coach.

Kellie and Jon Harper’s Family Life

Kellie and Jon Harper have two children, Jackson and Kiley. Throughout their career, Jon has been known to balance family and professional life, frequently taking care of the children while Kellie focuses on coaching. The couple maintains a low profile on social media but occasionally shares lighthearted moments with fans, such as their anniversary celebrations.

Conclusion:Jon Harper, Kellie Harper’s husband, remains a critical figure behind the scenes of her coaching career. His dedication to the sport and his family has been a major contributor to their success over the years. Despite the challenges, including the recent change in leadership at Tennessee, the Harpers’ long-standing commitment to women's basketball continues to leave a lasting impact.

More From Arizona Bulletin

Top Reads