Sometimes it takes a unique, somewhat quirky kind of coach to bring out the full potential of a team.
For fans of Boston sports, we know the drill. There was the happy-go-lucky Terry “Tito” Francona, who helped lead the Boston Red Sox to its first World Series title in 86 years. And, of course, the GOAT that is Bill Belichick, whose unforgiving, “we’re on to Cincinnati” press conferences left little to desire from members of the media but gridiron brilliance guided the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories in 24 seasons.
Well, the Boston Celtics have also found success in a unique, somewhat quirky coach, and last week, the franchise rewarded him with a well-deserved multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, the terms of that extension weren’t disclosed, but fans of the winningest team in NBA history should take comfort in the fact that their 37-year-old head coach is here to stay — at least, for now.
“We are very excited that Joe has agreed to extend with the Celtics,” Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said in a statement announcing the extension. “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.”
It’s been three full seasons since Mazzulla was abruptly thrown into the position following the suspension — and eventual firing — of Ime Udoka in the weeks leading up to the 2022-23 season. Once in the role, he proved up to the task and then some.
In just three years, he’s led the Celtics to three-straight 57-win seasons and hold the highest winning percentage in NBA history for coaches with at least 100 games coached. In a city that measures itself in championships, he’s done that, too. Mazzulla is the youngest head coach to win the NBA Finals since the 1968-69 season, when 35-year-old Bill Russell led Boston to the title as a player-coach.
Let’s not forget the stuff that makes Mazzulla so unique and quirky.
Trained in jiu-jitsu, Mazzulla once famously challenged former Celtic Marcus Smart to a friendly bout, and is known for unconventional film sessions in which he shows footage of UFC fights to emphasis focus through adversity. And in the realm of disorder, he suggested to Celtics superstar Jason Tatum just this past season that he try and get a few more suspension in order to get an automatic suspension from the league. When Tatum refused, Mazzulla suggested he go at him instead.
“He was like, ‘I would much rather you just come punch me. I want to fight. I would love to fight,” Tatum recalled on an episode of the New Heights podcast. “When Travis Kelce ran into Andy Reid, do that to me.’ “
Even in the postseason, when winning matter most, Mazzulla never strays far from his true self. When Tatum hit the ground hard after a drive to the bucket in the team’s opening round series against the Orlando Magic, Mazzulla was seen barking at the six-time All-Star — who was notably holding his wrist — to get up of the floor.
These antics are loved by his players and coaches right now. It’s proof that Mazzulla lives by his “win or die” mantra, and that he’s willing to treat his superstars just like anyone else. Unfortunately for Celtics fans, however, nothing lasts forever.
Eventually, even Patriots great Tom Brady grew annoyed with being treated like just another quarterback, and his eventual breakup with Belichick was tough to watch for all involved. The Francona-era also had a similar ending, with the happy-go-lucky coach eventually being treated as a pushover, with starting pitchers famously enjoying beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse rather thana joining teammates in the dugout on non-pitching days.
This isn’t to say the Mazzulla experiment is in any jeopardy of ending anytime soon. Right now, he has the respect of his players, the city, and, notably, the league. Let’s see how long it stays that way.
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