You did it, Joe!
This morning, Celtics nation woke up to amazing news. Joe Mazzulla’s “interim” coach title was removed, as the best team in the League officially offered him a permanent role, and extended his contract. Joe now joins a long list of legendary coaches who proudly represent that Boston Celtics green. Now, as the 19th head coach for this iconic franchise, Joe can focus on the common goal. Bring home Banner 18.
Joe Mazzulla is officially the 19th Head Coach in franchise history 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/LMcTLS1u0m
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 16, 2023
Wait, what about Ime Udoka?
Honestly, parting ways with Ime – as hard as that is to say – was the smartest move for the Celtics. And I’m sure many wish him the best of luck. But we give credit when credit is due, and Joe Mazzulla stepped up!
Currently, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA, 42-17, and Mazzulla led the way. And now, as a first-time head coach, Mazzulla is set to make an NBA All-Star appearance, along with his staff. Coaching Team Giannis, which boasts two, star players from his own team, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, it will be exciting to see what Mazzulla does with a roster full of All-Stars. There’s no doubt he, and his staff, are more than capable of the task at hand.
After the All-Star break, it’s back to business as Mazzulla tries to join Nick Nurse, Tyronn Lue, Steve Kerr, Pat Riley, and Paul Westhead, as the only rookie coaches in NBA history to win an NBA title. This morning’s announcement marks Mazzulla’s continued ascent in his coaching career. From being an assistant at Division II Fairmount State in West Virginia, 10 years ago, to joining Boston’s G League affiliate as an assistant coach in 2016, Mazzulla’s path has led him to where he was always meant to be.
Congratulations, Head Coach, Joe Mazzula! Also, kudos to the mastermind that is Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics.
Terms of the extension were not announced.
THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE
— owen (@joemazzulla) February 16, 2023
Adrian Wojnarowski called it back in September of 2022!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2E15WLl9jc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo-TtHpFNTM
