When former [Patriots](https://www.masslive.com/patriots/) quarterback Brian Hoyer turns on a Celtics game, he sees something familiar.
He’s reminded of his old head coach.
In a poll at [The Athletic of the “most admired” leaders in sports,](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6945825/2026/01/15/top-leaders-in-sports-2025-most-admired/?source=user_shared_article) Joe Mazzulla came in 28th. Hoyer voted and was quoted in Mazzulla’s section, comparing the 37-year-old Celtics coach to Bill Belichick.
“I just think he calls it like it is,” Hoyer said. “He’s tough, but his guys love him. I love how he handles the media and the pressure. Quotes like this: ‘People are gonna say the target’s on our back, but I hope it’s right on our forehead in between our eyes. I hope I can see the red dot.’ He’s like a cool, young version of Belichick.”
Mazzulla wasn’t the only Celtics representative in the poll, as Brad Stevens landed higher at 14th. Voter Nick U’Ren, general manager of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, spoke highly of Boston’s president of basketball operations.
“I’ve never met anybody who doesn’t enjoy interacting with Brad or working with Brad,” U’Ren said. “To succeed in this industry over the longevity he has speaks to his truthfulness, his morality, his professionalism, his kindness. I really admire somebody who can achieve what he’s achieved while maintaining the level of respect and admiration that he has over the course of time.”