Celtics president Brad Stevens dropped at least a hint or two amid a barrage of roster questions this offseason. While all the attention was on how the C’s were going to alter their personnel, Stevens noted that coach Joe Mazzulla was under contract for multiple years and “we certainly want Joe to be around here for a long time.”
That will indeed be the case in Boston. The Celtics announced Friday they signed Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension. Mazzulla, 37, finished his third season with the Celtics and he’ll forever have the 2024 NBA title on his resume. Stevens was clear he wanted his coach around a long time — he got his wish.
“This is truly a blessing,” Mazzulla said in a statement. “I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children. 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.”
The timing is notable as the Celtics go through a summer of change. No longer are they armed with the one of the best rosters in the league as the basketball penalties from the salary cap are very real. Next season is expected to be a retooling year, partly due to roster changes and partly because of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury.
Regardless, it’s a calculated move from the team perspective. Inking Mazzulla for the long-term means stability. Plus he’s well-liked by the players — including the stars in Tatum and Jaylen Brown — in the locker room. Since the Celtics are going through so many changes at the roster level, locking down the young, talented head coach also doubles as steadiness.
Mazzulla still has his critics despite winning a championship and an impressive three-year stretch leading the organization. He’s put together a 182-64 record after taking the job in an abrupt manner following Ime Udoka’s suspension-turned-dismissal. However, detractors will point out that his team takes too many 3s and that he’s always had a great roster, among other complaints.
Well, the Celtics, fans and the rest of the league will watch next season how Mazzulla performs when expectations aren’t title-or-bust. The C’s were projected to be great ahead of all three of Mazzulla’s past seasons, but going into next season, outside expectations are muted. Realistically, the roster isn’t as talented as the past couple years. So how Mazzulla maximizes this group will be under the microscope.
Mazzulla has become well-known in league circles for his eye-catching quotes and fiery personality. There were plenty of moments early in his tenure that caught outside attention, like contesting a player’s practice jumper after the whistle. He also has a long list of amusing quotes that can be found sprinkled throughout the Internet (a decent amount have to do with fighting). And can’t forget his perhaps-unconventional teachings, whether that includes killer whales, Spider-Man, UFC, soccer or whatever else the head coach can come up with. Finally, there’s no replacing the pure passion Mazzulla brings, whether he’s lighting up a referee or sometimes his own star player.
Perhaps most notably, Mazzulla is a process-oriented guy. Stevens remarked that Mazzulla has been busy this summer bettering himself, learning how to become a stronger leader. The players have said they enjoy their head coach’s teachings, whether that’s on or off the court. Importantly, Mazzulla also empowers his team as his assistant coaches rave about that aspect behind the scenes and daily.
The Celtics have their guy for the foreseeable future. Considering Mazzulla’s early success this early in his career, it’s no surprise Stevens wanted to ink him to an extension. Realistically, Mazzulla himself is far from a finished product as he’s still one of the youngest coaches in the NBA. But the early returns have certainly impressed, and as the Celtics go through roster modifications, it at least won’t affect the top.
“We are very excited that Joe has agreed to extend with the Celtics,” Stevens said. “He understands the job and has a passion for the Celtics that is only rivaled by our most die-hard fans. He’s worked hard and accomplished amazing things in his first three years as a head coach – including averaging over 60 wins per season and winning the 2024 NBA Championship. 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.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.