The Boston Celtics communicated Friday that they’ve prolonged head coach Joe Mazzulla’s agreement with a multi-year contract. The specific details of the arrangement were not shared by the organization.
“We are truly delighted that Joe has consented to stay longer with the Celtics,” remarked Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, through an official statement. “He’s familiar with the demands of the role and harbors an intense dedication to the Celtics, matched only by our most devoted supporters. He has demonstrated commitment and attained impressive accomplishments during his initial three years as a head coach — achieving over 60 victories per season on average and securing the 2024 NBA Championship.
“Joe stands out as a capable figure who consistently dedicates himself to learning, development, and maximizing every opportunity to vie for the Boston Celtics.”
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Mazzulla steered the Celtics toward their 18th NBA title in what was only his second term overseeing the franchise. He oversaw a commanding playoff performance where the Celtics recorded a 16-3 record, featuring 8-1 in the concluding two phases. Remarkably, Mazzulla achieved this while dealing with a torn meniscus.
Having triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks, victors of the Western Conference, Boston triumphantly raised the Larry O’Brien championship trophy, boasting the league’s second-highest playoff success rate since the initial round evolved into a best-of-seven format during the 2002-03 campaign.
During this journey, Mazzulla, nearing the close of his 35th year, rose as the most youthful coach to secure an NBA title since Boston legend Bill Russell accomplished it as a player-coach for the Celtics back in 1969.
Now aged 37, the Johnston, Rhode Island, resident has incorporated another regular season with more than 60 wins to an already impressive collection, which commenced under unique circumstances.
Before stepping into the intense spotlight of TD Garden, his sole prior venture as a head coach transpired at Division II Fairmont State in West Virginia. There, he propelled the team to the NCAA tournament in his second and ultimate term at the helm. This two-year period was nestled between two engagements within the Celtics framework: initially, an assistant role for the franchise’s G League squad, and subsequently, an assistant position on the Celtics’ bench, initially under Stevens and later under Ime Udoka.
Udoka led Boston to the NBA Finals in his inaugural year in charge, but a mere 15 months post his appointment, he faced suspension for the 2022-23 season following allegations of an inappropriate, consensual connection with a team associate, thereby contravening the team’s code of conduct.
Mazzulla assumed the role of interim head coach and guided the Celtics to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals during that season. Progressing onward, Boston removed his interim label and formally appointed him as the team’s permanent head coach.
Mazzulla has metamorphosed into a revered and motivating sports figure within Beantown. Celebrated for his earnest yet distinctive persona, he expertly guided the capabilities of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — a pairing presently boasting a collective count of 10 All-Star selections — and contributed another banner to the Garden.
Joe Mazzulla has been rewarded for bringing another banner to Beantown. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
The Celtics have been “readjusting” throughout this offseason, subsequent to Stevens’ dedicated endeavors to position Boston beneath the second apron.
They’ll have to proceed without Tatum’s participation for an extended duration as he persists in recuperating from the Achilles tear incurred amid the Celtics’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks during the past season.
Nevertheless, Mazzulla will retain his role at the helm, both for the approaching season and in the years ahead. He presently possesses a regular-season record of 182-64 and a postseason victory rate of .660.
“This is a genuine honor,” expressed Mazzulla in a statement from the Celtics. “I would not have reached this point absent my belief, my spouse, and my offspring. We convey gratitude for the collaboration with our ownership groups, Brad’s guidance, and the backing of our team.
“Foremost, I am appreciative of the players I have had the opportunity to instruct these past three seasons. I eagerly anticipate competing on behalf of the Celtics and the city of Boston.”
