Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla Named 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was named the 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year on Tuesday night. He received 62 of 100 first-place votes and appeared on 96 ballots. Mazzulla guided the Celtics to a 56-26 record and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The team lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games during the first round of the playoffs.

Tatum missed most of the regular season after tearing his Achilles tendon. Mazzulla, who turns 38 on June 30, is the youngest recipient of the award since 1975. He holds a 238-90 record over four seasons with Boston and previously led the team to the 2024 NBA championship. Mazzulla is the fourth Celtics coach to receive the honor, following Bill Fitch, Tommy Heinsohn and Red Auerbach.

Voting Results Cleveland's J.B.

Bickerstaff finished second after leading the Pistons to the top record in the Eastern Conference. San Antonio's Mitch Johnson placed third. Mazzulla credited his coaching staff for the award. He said the staff handled game planning, film work and other preparation that contributed to the team's performance.