Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla's Gratitude Fosters Winning Culture

Mazzulla's appreciation for everyone from players to support staff has defined his tenure in Boston.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Since becoming the head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2022, Joe Mazzulla has gained a reputation for his unique coaching style and eccentricities. However, what truly defines him is his unwavering gratitude and appreciation for everyone around him, from the players to the support staff that make the team's operations possible.

Why it matters

Mazzulla's humble and appreciative approach has helped foster a winning culture in Boston, even as the team has faced key injuries and roster turnover. His ability to empower and recognize the contributions of all Celtics employees, not just the players, is seen as a key factor in the team's continued success.

The details

Mazzulla has made a point of showing gratitude to the 'Bull Gang', the workers who switch the TD Garden floor between basketball and hockey, by wearing their sweatshirt to pregame press conferences. He has also argued that the support staff around the facility are more important than he is as the head coach, as they interact with the players first and help ensure the team is ready to perform. Mazzulla has remained humble despite winning the NBA championship in 2024, crediting the work of those who came before him in the Celtics organization.

  • Mazzulla became the Celtics' head coach in 2022 after Ime Udoka was dismissed.
  • Mazzulla led the Celtics to the NBA championship in 2024.
  • The Celtics are 35-19 and in second place in the Eastern Conference as of the 2025-26 All-Star break.

The players

Joe Mazzulla

The 37-year-old head coach of the Boston Celtics, known for his unique coaching style and unwavering gratitude towards everyone in the organization.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward who has missed the entire 2025-26 season so far due to injury, but has praised Mazzulla's care for the team as individuals.

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What they’re saying

“One thing where I truly do appreciate Joe, aside from being an excellent coach, is that I truly do believe that he cares about us, our team as individuals, obviously myself, and the conversations that we have.”

— Jayson Tatum (Andscape)

“Even when we were 0-3...I always turned to Sam Cassell and I'm like, 'Man, this place is still packed.' So people just appreciate really good basketball.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mazzulla's humble and appreciative approach has helped foster a winning culture in Boston, even as the team has faced key injuries and roster turnover. His ability to empower and recognize the contributions of all Celtics employees, not just the players, is seen as a key factor in the team's continued success.