Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Earns NBA Coach of the Year Award

Mazzulla wins coach of the year as Celtics finish second in east

The 37-year-old is the first Boston coach to win the honor since 1980. He guided the Celtics to 56 wins and a playoff spot without Tatum until March.

Joe Mazzulla named NBA coach of the year after 56-win season...

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was named NBA coach of the year on Tuesday. He led the team to a fourth consecutive 50-win season even with a short-handed roster.

At 37, Mazzulla coached Boston to its record 18th NBA championship in 2024. He is the first Celtics coach to win the award since Bill Fitch in 1980.

The Celtics lost to Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs this year. They started the season without star Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined by injury.

Despite the setbacks, Boston finished 56-26 and secured second place in the Eastern Conference.

Mazzulla said the award belonged to the entire Celtics coaching and support staff.

“Thank you to our players who compete and give it everything they have each night,” Mazzulla said in a statement.

“I am grateful for every member of the Celtics organization whose dedication impacts winning every day.

“This award belongs to our staff, who are there for the guys every day. Their relentless work ethic improves our team daily. This award should be named Staff of the Year.”

The 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year is… Joe Mazzulla! pic.twitter.com/Oesf3tNCfh

— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2026

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens praised Mazzulla for how he managed the team while Tatum was out. Tatum missed most of the season with an Achilles injury and only came back in March.

“With all of our unknowns entering the season, Joe did a fantastic job building and growing a team,” Stevens said.

“He pours everything he has into competing at a high level ... Joe leads with an authentic care for the Celtics and everyone he works with - players, coaches, and staff.”