You won't believe who won NBA Head Coach of the Year despite brutal first-round loss

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has been awarded the 2025-26 NBA Coach of the Year honor, earning the Red Auerbach Trophy. The announcement recognizes Mazzulla's leadership in guiding the Celtics to a strong 56-26 regular-season record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Celtics Joe Mazzulla wins NBA Coach of the Year award

Mazzulla has previously downplayed individual accolades, explaining team and staff contributions. His selection highlights the award’s traditional focus on regular-season performance, but it also reignites debates about how voters weigh playoff outcomes and relative roster expectations. 

Regardless of the divide, Mazzulla’s steady handling of expectations, egos, and injuries in Boston adds another chapter to his rapid rise from interim coach to recognized league leader. The Celtics will look to build on this foundation next season. 

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