Joe Mazzulla, the 35-year-old head coach of the Boston Celtics, has made history by becoming the youngest coach to win an NBA championship since the legendary Bill Russell in 1969. Mazzulla led the Celtics to their record-breaking 18th NBA title, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Youngest NBA Coach to Win a Championship
| Year | Coach | Team | Coach’s age |
| 2024 | Joe Mazzulla | Celtics | 35 years, 353 days |
| 1982 | Pat Riley | Lakers | 37 years, 80 days |
| 1975 | Alvin Attles | Warriors | 38 years, 199 days |
| 2016 | Tyronn Lue | Cavaliers | 39 years, 47 days |
| 1974 | Tom Heinsohn | Celtics | 39 years, 259 days |
Mazzulla’s accomplishment is truly remarkable, as he surpassed the previous record held by Hall of Famer Pat Riley, who won his first NBA title at 37 years and 80 days old. Since 1970, Mazzulla is the youngest coach to win an NBA championship, cementing his place in the league’s history.
The Celtics’ 18th championship banner will be raised this fall, and Mazzulla couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the team’s storied legacy. “There’s nothing better than representing the Celtics and being part of history,” Mazzulla shared with reporters after the game. The young coach’s journey to the top has been unconventional, but his players have embraced his unique approach and leadership style.
Mazzulla’s players have affectionately given him the nicknames “genius” and “sicko,” reflecting his eccentric yet highly effective coaching methods. Celtics guard Payton Pritchard praised Mazzulla’s authenticity, saying, “He’s really himself. He’s like authentic to himself. We all appreciate that. He’s not trying to be somebody he’s not.” This genuine and unorthodox approach has resonated with the Celtics’ roster, who have bought into Mazzulla’s vision and led the team to a dominant 64-18 regular season record and a 16-3 playoff run.
Mazzulla’s journey to the NBA championship has been anything but conventional. After a successful college coaching career at Fairmont State, he joined the Celtics as an assistant coach in 2021. When Ime Udoka was suspended at the start of the 2023-24 season, Mazzulla was thrust into the head coaching role, and he has not looked back since.
Despite his young age and relative inexperience, Mazzulla has proven to be a masterful tactician and motivator. His ability to connect with his players, frame challenges positively, and empower them to take ownership of their performance has been a key factor in the Celtics’ success. Mazzulla’s “NBA-level positive framing” has been praised by experts, as he consistently encourages his players to embrace difficult situations as opportunities for growth and development.
The Celtics’ players have been instrumental in Mazzulla’s success, with stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way. Tatum, who was named Finals MVP, has thrived under Mazzulla’s guidance, averaging 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in the championship series. The young coach’s ability to get the best out of his players has been a testament to his coaching acumen.
Mazzulla’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 35 years and 353 days old, he has become the ninth-youngest coach to win an NBA title and the youngest since Bill Russell in 1969. This achievement is even more impressive when considering the Celtics’ storied history and the pressure that comes with leading such a prestigious franchise.
The Celtics’ 18th championship is a testament to Mazzulla’s leadership, strategic prowess, and ability to inspire his players. His journey to the top has been unconventional, but his unwavering commitment to his players and his authentic approach have been the keys to his success.
As Mazzulla hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, he reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, “The thing you just can’t take for granted in the game today is a coach’s greatest gift is a group of guys that want to be coached, want to be led, that also empower themselves.” This sentiment encapsulates Mazzulla’s coaching philosophy, which has resonated with the Celtics’ players and propelled the team to the top of the NBA.
Looking ahead, Mazzulla’s future in the league is bright. With his record-breaking championship win, he has cemented his status as one of the brightest young minds in the NBA. The Celtics’ players have expressed their admiration for their coach, and the organization has undoubtedly solidified Mazzulla’s position as the team’s long-term leader.
As the Celtics prepare to raise their 18th championship banner, Mazzulla’s name will be etched in the annals of NBA history as the youngest coach to win a title since the legendary Bill Russell. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Mazzulla’s coaching prowess, his ability to connect with his players, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. The future is bright for the Celtics and their young, innovative head coach.