Joe Mazzulla doesn’t just think outside the box-he seems to have tossed the box out altogether. Whether it’s showing his players footage of killer whales to hammer home lessons about teamwork and dominance, or now, apparently, trying to convince his wife to let him adopt a wolf as a home security measure, the Celtics head coach continues to be one of the NBA’s most unconventional minds.
Yes, a real wolf. Not a husky.
Not a big dog that looks like a wolf. An actual wolf.
“We obviously have a dog, but I’m trying to convince [my wife] to get a wolf that just kind of roams the area of our house, as kind of an extra layer of protection,” Mazzulla said during a recent appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand.
It’s a quote that perfectly captures the Mazzulla experience-equal parts intense, unexpected, and oddly effective. And while the odds of a wolf patrolling the Mazzulla household seem slim (we’re with you, Mrs. Mazzulla), it’s hard to argue with the results of the coach’s unique approach.
Because right now, Joe Mazzulla isn’t just winning the press conference-he’s winning basketball games, too.
The Celtics entered the 2025-26 season with more questions than answers. Jayson Tatum’s extended absence cast a long shadow over the team’s prospects. Combine that with the departures of key veterans like Jrue Holiday (now in Portland), Luke Kornet (San Antonio), Kristaps Porzingis (Atlanta), and Al Horford (Golden State), and it’s no wonder some were whispering about a rebuild-or even a tank job.
But Mazzulla never entertained that narrative. Instead, he doubled down on adaptability, creativity, and resilience. And the results speak for themselves.
After a commanding 112-96 win over the Toronto Raptors, the Celtics now sit at 17-11, good for third in the Eastern Conference. That’s not just surviving-it’s thriving.
What’s been most impressive is how Mazzulla has managed to keep the team competitive despite losing so much experience and firepower. He’s leaned into player development, trusted his system, and empowered new faces to step up in meaningful ways. The Celtics aren’t just hanging around-they’re playing with purpose, structure, and belief.
This is a team that was supposed to take a step back. Instead, they’ve stayed in the thick of the playoff race, and Mazzulla’s fingerprints are all over it.
His ability to adapt on the fly, manage egos, and maintain a high standard of play with a retooled roster has made him an early frontrunner for NBA Coach of the Year. And it’s not just about the wins-it’s about the way Boston is winning. They’re disciplined on defense, opportunistic in transition, and increasingly confident in their identity, even without their franchise cornerstone.
It’s the kind of coaching job that turns skeptics into believers. The extension he signed?
Looking like a bargain. The whispers of doubt?
All but silenced.
Joe Mazzulla might not have a wolf roaming his backyard just yet-but he’s got a Celtics team that’s hunting wins with the same kind of tenacity. And right now, that’s more than enough to keep Boston fans howling.