Joe Mazzulla Confirmed As Permanent Celtics Coach, Gets Contract Extension

• Joe Mazzula is now the permanent manager of the Boston Celtics
• He was serving as interim coach since Ime Udoka was suspended
• The Celtics have excelled this term and have the NBA's best record

The Boston Celtics have confirmed interim coach, Joe Mazzulla as permanent manager with a contract extension, months after he took Ime Udoka.

Mazzulla took up the reins in September after Udoka was suspended, after an investigation revealed he had an improper relationship and used coarse language with a female employee.

There were no signs that Udoka will be returning to Boston. He was briefly linked to the vacant head coach position at the Brooklyn Nets, but a deal never materialized.

However, the Celtics have been the best team in the NBA under Mazzulla. They have the league's best record (42-17), and he will coach Team Giannis at this weekend's All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, per Bleacher Report.

Chelsea fans unhappy with Potter over comments ahead of UCL match

Football

He led the team to an incredible 18-4 start to the season and they are currently in the top five of both offensive and defensive ratings.

The 34-year-old joined Boston's G League affiliate as an assistant coach seven years ago, per ESPN. Brad Stevens, Celtics president of basketball operations, heaped praise on the young coach.

"As he has shown, Joe is a very talented coach and leader. He has a unique ability to galvanize a room around a mission. We are thankful for the work he has done to help get us to this point, and excited that he has agreed to lead us into the future."

Fans react to Mazzulla's appointment

@MartinoPuccio:

"Well deserved coach! Not easy taking over this situation PR wise and basketball wise you have surprised everyone! Lets get 18!"

Jaylen Brown provides fresh update on facial injury

NBA

@TheHolyGhosted7:

"Congratulations Joe! You’ve earned it with confidence and good communication. When you speak they listen, a team that is bought into your vision!"

@GugaMendes98:

"Just needs to learn how to use the timeouts. Congrats coach."

@DannyRo59875195:

"He’s only 34 years old too. That’s crazy !!! He can play in the league if he wanted to."

@Domou_yayam:

"I get that we winning with this him but we been outcoached a lot in tight games against good teams. I doubt the players are giving him the same respect they gave Ime."

Udoka suspended by Celtics

Sports Brief earlier reported on Ime Udoka being suspended after he was found culpable of violating team policies.

He was on the spot for most of September 21, 2022 after his consensual relationship with a female staff member emerged.

The Nigerian-American head coach released a statement later to apologise as Mazzulla took over managerial duties.