• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Coach
• Birthday:  June 30, 1988

Joe Mazzulla is head coach of the Boston Celtics. He replaced previous head coach Ime Udoka after Udoka's suspension for violating team policies. Mazzulla currently has the highest winning percentage of any coach in NBA history.

In 2024, Mazzulla, at the age of 35, became the youngest head coach to make the NBA Finals since Bill Russell in 1969. The Celtics went on to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in five games during the 2024 NBA Finals, giving Mazzulla his first NBA Championship.

Joe Mazzulla was born June 30, 1988, in Johnston, Rhode Island. Growing up in a basketball-centric family, Mazzulla was immersed in the sport from an early age. His father, Dan Mazzulla, was a renowned basketball coach and player, having played professionally overseas and later coaching high school basketball. Joe's early exposure to the game through his father laid the foundation for his future in coaching.

Mazzulla’s upbringing was marked by a deep sense of discipline and work ethic. His father’s coaching career influenced Joe significantly, instilling in him a love for basketball and a strong understanding of the game's intricacies. This environment nurtured his competitive spirit and commitment to excellence, traits that would define his career.

Mazzulla attended Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he excelled as a standout basketball player. His performance earned him a scholarship to West Virginia University, where he played under head coach Bob Huggins. Mazzulla's college career was characterized by his tenacity and leadership on the court.

At West Virginia, Mazzulla was known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. Despite battling injuries, including a severe shoulder injury that required surgery and caused him to miss an entire season, he made a significant impact when he played. Mazzulla's defining moment came during the 2010 NCAA Tournament when he led the Mountaineers to the Final Four, scoring 17 points in a crucial victory over Kentucky in the Elite Eight. His performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player award for the East Regional.,/p>

Mazzulla’s college career was a testament to his resilience and leadership, qualities that would serve him well in his coaching career. He graduated from West Virginia in 2011 with a degree in sports management.

After college, Mazzulla transitioned into coaching, beginning his career as an assistant coach at Glenville State College in West Virginia. He then served as an assistant at Fairmont State University before being promoted to head coach in 2017. At Fairmont State, Mazzulla demonstrated his coaching acumen, leading the team to a 43-17 record over two seasons and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

In 2019, Mazzulla took a significant step forward by joining the NBA's Boston Celtics as an assistant coach. His role with the Celtics allowed him to develop under the guidance of head coach Brad Stevens and later Ime Udoka. Mazzulla's contributions were recognized for his ability to connect with players and his detailed understanding of the game.

In 2022, following the suspension of Ime Udoka, Mazzulla was named the interim head coach of the Boston Celtics. His leadership during the 2022-2023 season was remarkable, as he guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they fell just short of winning the championship. Mazzulla's coaching style, characterized by strong defensive strategies and player development, earned him praise from players, fans, and analysts alike.

The following season, the "interim" tag was removed, and Mazzulla was officially named the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Under his leadership, the Celtics have continued to be a dominant force in the NBA, with Mazzulla earning accolades for his innovative approaches and ability to maximize his players' potential.

Joe Mazzulla's personal life is deeply rooted in his family. He is married to Camai Mazzulla, and the couple has a son named Emmanuel. Mazzulla often speaks about the importance of his family in his life and career, crediting them for providing support and balance amidst the demands of professional coaching.

Camai, a former volleyball player, understands the rigors of a life dedicated to sports, and her support has been invaluable to Joe. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, providing a strong foundation for their family. Their son, Emmanuel, is a central part of Joe’s life, and he often shares moments of his family life, emphasizing the joy and grounding they bring him.

Joe Mazzulla's Religious Beliefs

Faith plays a crucial role in Joe Mazzulla's life. Mazzulla is a devout Catholic, claiming his identity comes from his "faith" and "purpose." He often speaks about the importance of his Catholic beliefs in shaping his character and approach to coaching.

His commitment to his faith is evident in his daily routines and interactions with others. Mazzulla incorporates principles of his faith into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing integrity, discipline, and compassion. He strives to be a positive role model, both on and off the court, embodying the values taught by his faith.