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Youngest Coach of Year Mazzulla, Celtics Exit Early

5/27/2026

45 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Coach Joe Mazzulla, 27, won NBA Coach of the Year with 62 of 100 votes, becoming the youngest winner since Phil Jackson in 1975.
He guided Boston to a 56-26 record, Eastern Conference No. 2 seed and fourth-best net rating despite missing Jayson Tatum most of the season.
After a 3-1 lead, the Celtics lost to Philadelphia in the first round, prompting Celtics president Brad Stevens to say roster lacked title-contender talent.

History

Historical Context

Joe Mazzulla’s 2024 Coach of the Year win, earned with 62 of 100 votes and a 56-26 Celtics record, echoes Bill Fitch’s breakthrough in 1975 when his rookie-year Cavaliers captured a 49-33 division-title season and the award. Both coaches proved that fresh leadership can drive elite teams, a pattern the Celtics’ front office now leverages.

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Story summary

Coach Joe Mazzulla, 27, won NBA Coach of the Year with 62 of 100 votes, becoming the youngest winner since Phil Jackson in 1975.
He guided Boston to a 56-26 record, Eastern Conference No. 2 seed and fourth-best net rating despite missing Jayson Tatum most of the season.
After a 3-1 lead, the Celtics lost to Philadelphia in the first round, prompting Celtics president Brad Stevens to say roster lacked title-contender talent.

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