Coach Green graduated from Beddingfield High School (Wilson, NC) in 1999. While in high school he played soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. He was coached by his father Lin Green during his three year varsity basketball career. He was named all-conference in four sports his senior year. He was inducted into the Beddingfield Athletic Hall of Fame.

After high school, Coach Green played basketball at Barton College. He graduated from Barton in 2004, amassing over 1000 points and being named a 1st team all-conference performer. He coached JV and Varsity basketball for thirteen years at Green Hope. He helped open up Green Level High School in 2019. His team qualified for the playoffs in only their 3rd season. In his 5th season at Green Level the team started off 26-0 before finishing 29-2, winning the conference regular season and advancing in the 4th round of the playoffs.

Off the court, John enjoys spending time with his family. John and his wife Amanda have a three children, Jackson (15), Walker (12), and Kennedy (8).