The NBA announced Tuesday that Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has captured the 2025-26 Coach of the Year award, earning the Red Auerbach Trophy.
Mazzulla, 37, becomes the franchise’s first recipient since Bill Fitch in the 1979-80 season and only the fourth Celtics coach ever honored, joining Auerbach (1964-65) and Tom Heinsohn (1972-73). At his age, he is the youngest winner since Phil Johnson claimed the prize in 1974-75.
In his second full season on the sideline, Mazzulla guided Boston to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The club finished the year on a 51-19 surge after opening 5-7.
Voting breakdown
A global panel of 100 media members awarded Mazzulla 62 first-place votes, 24 seconds and 10 thirds for a total of 392 points. Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff placed second with 312 points (29 firsts, 51 seconds, 14 thirds), while San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson finished third at 133 points (9, 17, 37).
Reaction from Boston
Mazzulla credited the organization for the achievement, saying the recognition should be viewed as a staff honor and praising the players’ nightly commitment. Team president of basketball operations Brad Stevens added that Mazzulla and his assistants excelled at molding a group that entered the season with many uncertainties, emphasizing the coach’s dedication to both competition and player development.
Source: Hoops Rumors
