History of Joe Mazzulla in Timeline

Joseph Mazzulla is an American professional basketball coach currently serving as the head coach for the Boston Celtics. With a successful history at West Virginia University during his college basketball years, Mazzulla transitioned to coaching, joining the Celtics as an assistant coach in 2019. His exceptional coaching skills led to his promotion to interim head coach in 2022, which was then solidified as a permanent position in February 2023. Mazzulla led the Celtics to an impressive NBA championship win in his second season, setting a remarkable record as the coach with the highest winning percentage in NBA history with over 150 games coached.

1969: Joe Mazzulla Becomes Youngest Coach in NBA Finals Since Bill Russell

At the age of 35, Joe Mazzulla became the youngest head coach to reach the NBA Finals since Bill Russell in 1969.

June 30, 1988: Birth of Joe Mazzulla

Joe Mazzulla was born on June 30, 1988.

2007: Joe Mazzulla Helps West Virginia Win the NIT Championship

As a freshman at West Virginia University in 2007, Joe Mazzulla played a role in the team's National Invitation Tournament (NIT) victory under coach John Beilein.

2008: Joe Mazzulla's Impressive Performance in NCAA Tournament Leads to Season-Ending Injury

During the 2008 NCAA tournament, Joe Mazzulla showcased an impressive performance with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in a second-round upset against Duke. Unfortunately, he sustained a shoulder injury in a game against Ole Miss, forcing him to redshirt the following season.

April 2009: Joe Mazzulla's Arrest and Turning Point

In April 2009, Joe Mazzulla was arrested for domestic battery and subsequently suspended from the West Virginia basketball team. Following this incident, he received a pivotal phone call from basketball legend Jerry West, who urged him to make better choices and maximize his potential, ultimately inspiring Mazzulla to get back on track.

2009: Celtics Achieve First 60+ Win Season Since 2009

The Boston Celtics, under Joe Mazzulla's leadership, achieved their first 60+ win season since 2009 during the 2023-2024 NBA season.

2010: Joe Mazzulla's Final Four Run with West Virginia

Joe Mazzulla was named captain of the West Virginia basketball team as a redshirt junior in 2010, leading the Mountaineers to the Final Four, where they lost to Duke. Notably, Mazzulla scored a career-high 17 points in the Elite Eight victory against Kentucky.

September 2011: Joe Mazzulla Begins Coaching Career at Glenville State

After graduating from college, Joe Mazzulla initially pursued professional playing opportunities. However, he ultimately transitioned into coaching and joined Glenville State as an assistant coach in September 2011.

2013: Joe Mazzulla Joins Fairmont State as Assistant Coach

Joe Mazzulla was hired as an assistant coach at Fairmont State under Jerrod Calhoun in 2013.

2016: Joe Mazzulla Gains G League Experience with Maine Red Claws

Joe Mazzulla gained experience in the NBA G League as an assistant coach for the Maine Red Claws during the 2016-2017 season.

March 2017: Joe Mazzulla Becomes Head Coach at Fairmont State

Joe Mazzulla's head coaching career began in March 2017 when he was named head coach of Fairmont State.

June 24, 2019: Joe Mazzulla Hired as Assistant Coach by Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla was hired as an assistant coach by the Boston Celtics on June 24, 2019.

2019: Joe Mazzulla Leads Fairmont State to NCAA Division II Tournament Appearance

During the 2018-2019 season, Joe Mazzulla guided Fairmont State to a 22-9 record and an appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament, where they lost in the first round.

2019: Joe Mazzulla Joins the Boston Celtics as Assistant Coach

In 2019, Joe Mazzulla joined the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach.

2020: Passing of Joe Mazzulla's Father

Joe Mazzulla's father, Dan Mazzulla, who had been a basketball player and coach, sadly passed away in 2020.

September 22, 2022: Joe Mazzulla Named Interim Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla was appointed interim head coach of the Boston Celtics on September 22, 2022, following Ime Udoka's suspension for the entire 2022-2023 season due to violations of team policies.

2022: Joe Mazzulla Interviews for Head Coach Position with Utah Jazz

Joe Mazzulla interviewed for the head coaching position with the Utah Jazz in 2022. However, the position was ultimately filled by Will Hardy, another assistant coach from the Celtics.

2022: Joe Mazzulla Becomes Interim Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

Prior to the 2022-2023 NBA season, Joe Mazzulla was appointed the interim head coach of the Boston Celtics.

January 30, 2023: Joe Mazzulla Selected as Coach for 2023 NBA All-Star Game

Joe Mazzulla was chosen as the head coach for Team Giannis in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game on January 30, 2023.

February 2023: Joe Mazzulla Officially Named Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

Before the All-Star break in February 2023, Joe Mazzulla was officially named the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

February 16, 2023: Joe Mazzulla Officially Named Head Coach of the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics officially appointed Joe Mazzulla as their 18th head coach in franchise history on February 16, 2023. They also signed him to a contract extension after he led the team to a league-best 42-17 record leading up to the NBA All-Star break.

2023: Joe Mazzulla Earns Coach of the Month Honors and Leads Celtics to Playoffs

Joe Mazzulla's strong coaching performance in 2023 earned him two Eastern Conference Coach of the Month awards. He guided the Celtics to a league-best 64-18 record, securing the #1 overall seed in the NBA playoffs.

2024: Joe Mazzulla Leads Celtics to NBA Championship Victory

Joe Mazzulla achieved the pinnacle of his coaching career in 2024 by leading the Boston Celtics to victory in the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, securing his first NBA Championship.