Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, has been named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season. Mazzulla led Boston to an impressive 56-26 regular season record, securing the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference despite facing major adversity throughout the campaign.

One of the biggest challenges came with the long-term absence of Jayson Tatum, who missed roughly two-thirds of the season due to an Achilles tendon injury. Even without their franchise star, the Celtics remained among the league’s elite thanks to Mazzulla’s leadership and tactical adjustments.

Spanish player Hugo González was also part of the Boston roster during the season.

Despite their strong regular season, the Celtics’ playoff run ended in disappointment after a first-round elimination against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The award makes Mazzulla the first Boston coach to win NBA Coach of the Year since Bill Fitch earned the honor back in 1980, ending a drought of more than 40 years for the historic franchise.

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