Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens revealed that the team had long intended for Joe Mazzulla to take on a coaching role during the offseason. This intention was further confirmed on Friday with the announcement that Mazzulla had signed a multi-year contract extension, though the specific terms and duration of the deal remain undisclosed.
In response, Mazzulla described the new contract as “a blessing,” acknowledging the support of his faith, family, ownership, coaching staff, and players over his three seasons coaching the team. He expressed enthusiasm for continuing to compete for the Celtics and the city of Boston.
At 37 years old, Mazzulla has completed three seasons as the head coach and has led the Celtics to the playoffs each year, including capturing the franchise’s 18th NBA championship title in the 2023-24 season. Notably, he became the youngest head coach to win the NBA Finals since Bill Russell in the 1968-69 season, who was 35 at the time.
The Celtics, under Mazzulla’s guidance, have won at least 57 games every season, reaching 60 wins in the last two campaigns. Although Stevens has not publicly disclosed the details of Mazzulla’s contract, it was known that the coach was given an extension soon after being named the interim head coach in February 2023, with at least one additional extension prior to the latest one.
Stevens praised Mazzulla for his deep understanding of the job and his remarkable passion for the Celtics, noting his impressive achievement of averaging 60 wins per season and winning the 2024 NBA Championship in his first three years. Mazzulla joined the team in 2019 as an assistant coach and stepped into the head coach role after former coach Ime Udoka was relieved of his duties before the 2022-23 season began.
Fan Take: This contract extension highlights the Celtics’ confidence in Mazzulla’s leadership and his ability to sustain a winning culture. Basketball fans should watch closely, as his coaching style and success could shape the future trajectory of the team and inspire the next era of NBA competition.
