Joe Mazzulla was officially announced as the NBA Coach of the Year on May 26, 2026, becoming the first Boston Celtics head coach to win the award since 1980 [1, 2, 3]. He led the Celtics to a 56-26 regular season record, finishing second in the Eastern Conference despite missing star player Jayson Tatum for much of the season due to injury [1, 2, 3].
At 37 years old, Mazzulla is the youngest Coach of the Year winner since Phil Jackson in 1975 [3]. He received 62 out of 100 first-place votes for the award [2].
Mazzulla previously led the Celtics to their 18th NBA championship in 2024 [1, 3]. This season's performance under his leadership earned praise from Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who said, "This is well deserved recognition and a testament to both Joe and his staff. With all of our unknowns entering the season, Joe did a fantastic job building and growing a team" [1, 3].
Despite the honor, Mazzulla has publicly criticized the Coach of the Year award, calling it "stupid" in March 2026 and saying it should honor the entire coaching staff instead of one person. He said, "I don't need it. I think it's a stupid award. They shouldn't have it. And it's more about the players. It's more about the work that the staff puts in. It's just that simple" [2]. He added, "This award should be called 'Coach staff of the year' rather than one person getting hardware. The long nights, the trips, game plans... I feel bad that they’re not here — but forever indebted to the guys that we have that give up time with their families" [3].
The Celtics were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in a Game 7 series [1, 3]. The team will look to improve next season following the playoff exit and Mazzulla’s recognition as Coach of the Year.
