BOSTON – The Boston Celtics are not waiting for the market to tell them who they are. On Friday, the team officially announced Joe Mazzulla’s extension, ensuring their championship coach will stay in Boston for the long haul. The team didn’t disclose the terms of the extension.
Celtics Lock In Joe Mazzulla With Long-Term Extension
The move doesn’t just bring stability — it sends a message. The Celtics believe they have the right leader. And they’re paying him like one.
“This is truly a blessing,” said Mazzulla 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.”
Hard to argue with the resume.
A Short Path to Historic Success
Mazzulla didn’t walk into a calm situation. He was thrown into the fire in 2022, stepping in for Ime Udoka on short notice.
The team responded.
Boston went 57-25 in that first year with Mazzulla in charge — while he still wore the “interim” label. The Celtics removed that tag in 2023. He repaid them in full a year later.
Under his leadership, the Celtics stormed to the 2024 NBA title, finishing with a 16-3 postseason run. That playoff record? Second-best since the NBA expanded first-round series in 2003.
Brad Stevens Believes
Celtics President Brad Stevens didn’t leave much to interpretation. He’s all in on Joe Mazzulla’s extension. “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.”
There’s more than just championship pedigree behind the commitment. The numbers are undeniable.
The Numbers Back the Belief
Mazzulla enters his fourth season as head coach with a 182-64 regular season record. That’s a .740 win percentage.
In the playoffs, he’s gone 33-17 — a .660 clip. He already has four Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honors and now stands as the youngest coach to win an NBA title since Bill Russell in 1969.
Joe Mazzulla’s extension caps off a fast rise from assistant coach to franchise cornerstone. A Rhode Island native, he started in the G League, joined Boston as an assistant, and by 2023, became the 19th head coach in Celtics history.
No Drama, Just Direction
Joe Mazzulla’s extension won’t make headlines like blockbuster trades or max contracts, but it might end up being the smartest move of the summer for the league’s premier franchise.
Mazzulla has the locker room. He has the results. And now, he has the long-term backing to lead Boston for years to come.
That’s how you build a dynasty.
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