Celtics Ink Coach Joe Mazzula to an Extension

The Boston Celtics have announced that they have signed Coach Joe Mazzulla to an extension. The terms of the new deal were not initially disclosed. 

Mazzulla became the head coach of one of the NBA's most storied franchises in an odd way. A team captain at the University of West Virginia, he worked his way through the college ranks on became an assistant coach for the Celtics. When the team suspended Ime Udoka, Mazzulla took the Celtics coaching job and ran with it. 

Despite being in his mid-30's upon taking the job, Mazzulla has been incredibly successful. The team has a record of 182-64, a .740 winning percentage with him in charge. 

Most importantly, Mazzulla coach the Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2024. This made him the youngest coach to lead an NBA team to an NBA championship since Bill Russell did so as a player/coach. Mazzulla is currently the 9th youngest head coach to win a championship. 

The team's general manager, Brad Stevens, said in a statement:

"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."

Mazzulla will be in for a tougher year without star player Jayson Tatum, but the team still has a fair amount of talent and should compete in the Eastern Conference.