Boston Celtics Name Joe Mazzulla Permanent Head Coach

Joe Mazzulla was promoted from interim head coach after leading the Celtics to a 42-17 record

Mazzulla is the 18th head coach in franchise history and the first Italian-American head coach in the NBA

The Boston Celtics have named Joe Mazzulla their permanent head coach, the team announced Thursday.

Mazzulla was promoted from interim head coach after leading the Celtics to a 42-17 record since taking over for Ime Udoka in September. He is the 18th head coach in franchise history and the first Italian-American head coach in the NBA.

"Joe has shown a remarkable ability to lead our team," Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in a statement. "He has a great basketball mind, he's a great communicator, and he has the respect of our players."

Mazzulla, 34, played seven seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2019. He joined the Celtics as an assistant coach in 2019 and was promoted to interim head coach after Udoka was suspended for violating team policies.

The Celtics have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA under Mazzulla's leadership. They are currently the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and are considered one of the favorites to win the championship.