Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens had expressed throughout the offseason that the team was committed to having Joe Mazzulla as their coach for the long haul. This commitment was made official on Friday when the Celtics signed Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension, although the specific terms and duration of the deal were not disclosed. This move showed the organization’s confidence in Mazzulla’s leadership and his ability to guide the team forward.
In a heartfelt statement following the contract announcement, Mazzulla described the extension as “a blessing.” He credited his faith, his wife, and children for their unwavering support throughout his coaching journey. He also extended his gratitude toward the Celtics’ ownership group, Brad Stevens’ mentorship, the supportive staff, and, most importantly, the players he has coached over the past three seasons. Mazzulla expressed his excitement and determination to continue competing for the Celtics and to represent the city of Boston with pride.
At just 37 years old, Joe Mazzulla recently completed his third season as head coach of the Boston Celtics. Under his guidance, the Celtics have consistently been a dominant force in the NBA, qualifying for the playoffs every year he has been at the helm. The pinnacle of his coaching tenure so far came in the 2023-24 season when the Celtics clinched their 18th NBA championship title. This victory was particularly notable as Mazzulla became the youngest coach to win the NBA Finals since Bill Russell achieved the feat in the 1968-69 season, when he was 35 years old and served as a player-coach.
Throughout Mazzulla’s time leading the Celtics, the team has shown remarkable consistency and success. Each season, the Celtics have won no fewer than 57 games, with the last two seasons seeing the team surpass the 60-win mark. This level of performance speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s strategy, preparation, and ability to motivate and manage top-tier talent.
While Brad Stevens has remained discreet regarding the exact details of Mazzulla’s contract, it is known that Mazzulla received his first contract extension shortly after he was confirmed as the permanent head coach in February 2023. Stevens also revealed in June that Mazzulla had already been granted at least one additional extension before this most recent agreement, underscoring the franchise’s long-term plans for the young coach.
Stevens had high praise for Mazzulla, highlighting his deep understanding of the coaching role and his passion for the Celtics franchise—a passion Stevens said rivals even the most devoted Celtics fans. He described Mazzulla as a hardworking and gifted leader who has accomplished extraordinary things in a short span, including maintaining an average of over 60 wins per season and guiding the team to the 2024 NBA Championship. Stevens also applauded Mazzulla’s relentless commitment to continuous learning, self-improvement, and maximizing every opportunity to compete and succeed.
Joe Mazzulla’s journey with the Celtics began in 2019, when he joined the organization as an assistant coach. He spent three seasons in this role, gaining valuable experience and insight into the team and its culture. His rise to interim head coach came unexpectedly when former head coach Ime Udoka was suspended shortly before the start of the 2022-23 season. Since then, Mazzulla has proven his capability and leadership, earning the trust and respect of the organization and fans alike.
With this multi-year contract extension, the Boston Celtics have reaffirmed their faith in Joe Mazzulla as a foundational figure for the team’s future, confident that his leadership will continue to steer them toward more victories and championships.