Joe Mazzulla has been named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season, marking the first time he has received the honor. The announcement was made on May 27, 2026.
Leading the Celtics to Success
Mazzulla guided the Boston Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, despite Jayson Tatum missing an extended period due to injury. The 37-year-old coach received 62 first-place votes, 24 second-place votes, and 10 third-place votes, surpassing other candidates including Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson.
Historic Achievement
Mazzulla becomes the first Celtics coach to win the award since Bill Fitch in 1979-80 and the fourth in franchise history. His leadership and ability to maintain team performance without a key player like Tatum were widely praised by voters.
