Joe Mazzulla is one of the NBA’s highest-paid head coaches - and based on what we’ve seen from the Boston Celtics under his leadership, it’s not hard to see why.
According to a recent report, Mazzulla ranks fourth in annual salary among NBA head coaches, reportedly earning $11 million per year. That puts him in the same financial tier as Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets and Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers. At the top of the list is Golden State’s Steve Kerr at $17.5 million, followed by Miami’s Erik Spoelstra and the Clippers’ Ty Lue, who each pull in $15 million annually.
But when it comes to value, Mazzulla is delivering in a big way.
Since taking over the Celtics, Mazzulla has compiled a 197-74 record across four seasons - an elite win percentage that speaks to more than just talent on the roster. His ability to mold a team identity, earn buy-in from stars and role players alike, and make timely tactical adjustments has helped Boston evolve into one of the league’s most complete teams.
One of the clearest signs of Mazzulla’s influence is how the Celtics have embraced pressure. Jayson Tatum, for example, has publicly reframed criticism and expectations as privileges - a mindset shift that reflects the culture Mazzulla has instilled. Boston’s improved poise in high-leverage moments, whether it’s managing leads or responding to opponents’ runs, is a product of that mental growth.
Last season’s title run didn’t just happen because the Celtics had talent - plenty of teams did. What set Boston apart was how Mazzulla maximized that talent.
His game-planning in the 2024 Finals, especially the decision to deploy Jrue Holiday in the dunker spot to pull Dallas’ rim protectors out of the paint, was a subtle but significant tactical wrinkle. And the way his team handled adversity - like rallying on the road against Indiana or closing tight games in Dallas - showed a group that was mentally locked in.
This season, Mazzulla has taken things a step further. The Celtics have revamped their approach on both ends of the floor, and the results are impressive.
Defensively, Boston has shifted to a more aggressive style. They’re hunting turnovers more frequently, even if it means fouling at a higher rate - jumping from near the bottom of the league in foul rate to the top five.
That trade-off is intentional. It’s helping them generate more transition chances and mask some of their issues on the defensive glass.
The payoff? They’re allowing just 110.8 points per game - third-best in the league.
On offense, the Celtics are running some of the most dynamic sets in the league. There’s a real flow to their halfcourt execution - layers of movement, cutting, and screening that make them difficult to defend.
Even without Tatum in the lineup, they’ve maintained the third-highest offensive rating in the NBA. That speaks to both the system and the players’ understanding of it.
Before the season began, Mazzulla signed a multi-year extension. Since then, he’s responded with arguably his best coaching performance yet - not just managing egos and rotations, but helping a retooled roster find its rhythm quickly.
And it’s not just the stars who are benefiting. Boston’s youth movement is gaining real traction.
Players like Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, Neemias Queta, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman - all still carving out their place in the league - are contributing in meaningful ways. That doesn’t happen without a coach who’s willing to develop young talent and put them in positions to succeed.
At this point in the season, Mazzulla has made a strong case as the frontrunner for NBA Coach of the Year. He’s balancing tactical innovation with player development, all while keeping Boston firmly in the championship conversation.
The Celtics are built to contend now and into the future - and with Mazzulla at the helm, they’ve got a coach who looks ready to lead them through both.