Devout Catholic Joe Mazzulla named NBA Coach of the Year

Joe Mazzulla, the openly devout Catholic coach of the Boston Celtics, was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season on May 26 after guiding Boston to 56 wins despite injuries, roster turnover, and the absence of several key players for much of the year.

The 37-year-old led the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference despite playing much of the season without star forward Jayson Tatum, who missed significant time recovering from Achilles surgery. Boston also adjusted to the departures of several veterans on the team. 

Mazzulla has become one of the most outspokenly faith-driven figures in professional sports, frequently referring to Catholicism as the foundation of his life and coaching career.

Many Catholics know Mazzulla for his viral moment in 2022 after a reporter asked him about Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales attending a Celtics game.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph?” Mazzulla replied. “I’m only familiar with one royal family.”

Raised in a Catholic family in Rhode Island, he attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school at Bishop Hendricken and has credited his parents with instilling the faith in him early.

He described his faith to The Rhode Island Catholic as the “anchor” that keeps him grounded amid the pressures of coaching in the NBA, emphasizing that his identity is rooted more in his relationship with God than in wins or losses. 

Mazzulla has spoken about praying the Rosary while walking the court before games, using beads made from the original parquet floor of the old Boston Garden. 

In an appearance on the Dominican friars’ “Godsplaining” podcast, he spoke about reserving courtside seats for priests and publicly observing Ash Wednesday by wearing ashes during games. He referenced Scripture, including Philippians 4:11-12, while discussing gratitude, humility, and what he has described as “wrestling with God” through the demands of coaching.

In a statement released by the Celtics after the award announcement, Mazzulla thanked God, his family, and his coaching staff while deflecting personal praise.

“Thank you to the Lord for the platform he has given me, and to my wife and family who support me on this journey,” Mazzulla said. “Thank you to our players who compete and give it everything they have each night. I am grateful for every member of the Celtics organization whose dedication impacts winning every day.” 

“This award belongs to our staff, who are there for the guys every day,” he said. “Their relentless work ethic improves our team daily. This award should be named Staff of the Year.”

Mazzulla has repeatedly minimized the significance of individual coaching honors. In March, he called the award “stupid,” arguing that success belongs to players and assistants rather than the head coach alone.

“I don’t need it,” he said.

Speaking to NBC after the announcement, Mazzulla said the recognition reflected the work done behind the scenes throughout the organization.

“There’s so much that goes into winning one game,” he said. “It starts with the players, but it goes to our staff. I’m forever indebted to the guys that we have that give up time with their families and time to win every day.”

Also during his “Godsplaining” appearance, Mazzulla said he hopes to become a permanent deacon after his coaching career, calling it a long-standing goal.

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