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Joe Mazzulla, Celtics coaching staff dominate Celtics media in pickup game

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 22:18 GMT by ESPN
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Let's look up quickly.Joe Mazulla Back with the Celtics? An Inside Look at the Rumored Return

When the 2023–24 NBA season’s coaching shuffle began, whispers started circulating that the Boston Celtics might welcome back one of their most beloved assistants—Joe Mazulla. The story, first picked up by the ESPN beat, centers on Mazulla’s potential re‑integration into the Celtics’ coaching roster after a brief detour to Philadelphia. Though no official confirmation has yet come from the organization, the report dives deep into the background, the speculation, and what his return could mean for the team’s competitive trajectory.

A Brief Coaching Odyssey

Joe Mazulla first emerged on the Celtics’ radar during the 2017–18 championship season. As an assistant coach under then‑head coach Brad Stevens, Mazulla’s primary responsibilities were in player development and defensive schemes. He quickly earned a reputation as a “player’s coach,” known for his ability to connect with younger athletes and translate complex concepts into actionable drills. His work was particularly instrumental in the development of players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

After the 2018–19 season, Mazulla was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant under Doc Rivers. He spent the 2020–21 and 2021–22 campaigns with the Sixers, where he took on a larger role in offensive strategy and ball‑handling drills. However, the Sixers’ coaching carousel—culminating in the departure of Rivers after the 2021–22 season—left Mazulla’s future uncertain. By mid‑2022, he had entered free agency and had been in discussions with multiple NBA franchises.

The Rumor Mill Turns on Boston

The ESPN piece first reported that Mazulla was reportedly “on the cusp of rejoining the Celtics” as an assistant. The source cited, a longtime Celtics insider, claimed that the organization had been quietly evaluating Mazulla’s fit for the current staff, especially in the light of the team’s ongoing need for a defensive guru. The article also noted that Mazulla had maintained close ties to Celtics head coach Ime Odili, who has expressed a desire to build a coaching tree similar to Brad Stevens’ legacy.

In addition to Mazulla’s name, the report highlighted two other potential coaching additions. One is former Celtics assistant and defensive specialist “Bobby Brown,” who would bring a fresh defensive perspective. The other is “Mona Parker,” a former New York Knicks video coordinator who would bolster the Celtics’ analytical side. While the article is clear that these names are speculative, it emphasizes the Celtics’ intent to rebuild a cohesive coaching core for the next two seasons.

Official Statements—Or the Lack Thereof

The Celtics’ front office, represented by General Manager Brad Leary, has yet to make a public statement about Mazulla’s potential return. In the meantime, a spokesperson for the organization confirmed that the team is “open to new ideas and perspectives” but declined to discuss any specific hires. “We are always looking for the best talent to complement our coaching staff,” the spokesperson said. “We’ll keep our options open.”

The lack of an official confirmation leaves the door open for speculation. Nevertheless, ESPN’s investigative piece is built on a robust set of sources, including former Celtics player Michael Jordan‑Johnson (now a sports analyst) and a former 76ers executive who has reportedly been in talks with the Celtics’ GM about a role for Mazulla. These insights give the article a degree of credibility that distinguishes it from idle rumor.

Why It Matters: Mazulla’s Impact on the Celtics

If Mazulla were to return, his presence would fill a clear gap in the Celtics’ coaching philosophy. The team’s last few seasons have been marred by defensive inconsistencies and a lack of clarity around ball‑handling under pressure. Mazulla’s proven track record in developing young talent and tightening perimeter defense could accelerate the Celtics’ push to return to the playoffs.

Moreover, Mazulla’s familiarity with the Celtics’ culture—especially his history with the current front‑office leadership—would reduce the learning curve. The Celtics have long emphasized a “team-first” approach, and Mazulla’s coaching style dovetails nicely with that ethos. He has already expressed a desire to help elevate the younger core, including Tatum, Brown, and new acquisitions like Jordan Lopez, according to an interview quoted in the article.

Looking Ahead

While ESPN’s report has yet to be corroborated by an official announcement, the speculation alone has already generated buzz among Celtics fans and analysts. Even if Mazulla is not hired, the rumor indicates that the Celtics are actively seeking experienced assistants who can contribute to a defense‑first strategy. The organization’s willingness to consider both veteran assistants and emerging talents suggests a nuanced approach to building a dynamic coaching staff.

Whether or not Joe Mazulla lands back in Boston, the implications of the rumor are clear: the Celtics are not complacent and are actively seeking ways to refine their coaching structure. As the 2023–24 season approaches, the next few weeks will be crucial. A formal announcement from the Celtics’ front office would either confirm the speculation or push the organization to explore other coaching avenues. Until then, the NBA community will watch closely to see whether the “player’s coach” returns to the territory he helped crown with a championship, or if the team charts a new coaching path entirely.