Celtics commit to their NBA championship-winning coach
The Boston Celtics and head coach Joe Mazzulla have agreed to terms on a multi-year extension, the team announced Friday, Aug. 8.
“He understands the job and has a passion for the Celtics that is only rivaled by our most die-hard fans,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in a news release. “He’s worked hard and accomplished amazing things in his first three years as a head coach … Joe is a gifted leader who brings a consistent commitment to learning, improving, and maximizing each day we get to compete for the Boston Celtics.”
Mazzulla took over for Ime Udoka following the 2021-22 season and has guided the Celtics to records of 57-25, 64-18 and 61-21 and helped the franchise win a title in 2024. He is 182-64 in his three seasons.
“I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children,” Mazzulla said in a news release. “We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad’s mentorship, and the support of our staff. Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston.”
What does Mazzulla extension mean for the Celtics?
Mazzulla’s extension provides the Celtics with stability amid a tumultuous time for the franchise. The Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason, and Jayson Tatum will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon during second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Luke Kornet left the Celtics for San Antonio, and it’s unlikely veteran big man Al Horford returns. The Celtics are cost-conscious in a team-building system that renders harsh financial penalties and roster-building restrictions on high-spending teams.
Also, the Celtics are undergoing a chance in ownership after reaching a deal to sell the team to Bill Chisholm and other investors on a $6.1 billion valuation. It’s a unique purchase agreement that allows current Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck to remain in his role through the 2027-28 season.
But the 37-year-old Mazzulla, who was the youngest coach to win a title since Bill Russell did it as a player-coach in 1969, reinforces Boston’s plan to maintain continuity on the bench.
