Joe Mazzulla Named NBA Coach of the Year

Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, has been awarded the NBA Coach of the Year title. Earlier this year, he referred to the award as 'stupid,' expressing that it should recognize the entire coaching staff rather than an individual. The announcement was made on May 26, 2026, after Mazzulla led the Celtics to a 56-26 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Mazzulla emphasized the contributions of his coaching staff during his acceptance remarks, stating, 'The long nights, the trips, game plans... I feel bad that they’re not here.' He is the youngest coach to receive this award since Phil Jackson in 1975. Celtics president Brad Stevens praised Mazzulla for his leadership and ability to develop the team amidst uncertainties at the start of the season. J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs were the runners-up for the award.