When it comes to sports, fans often focus on players above anyone else on a team. Yet many overlook that not all players become stars without proper coaching.
Coaches hold one of the most important roles on a team. They lead their squads and are responsible for drawing up plays designed to produce victories. In the NBA, figures such as Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson have guided their teams to multiple championships.
With that in mind, the league has consistently recognized the work of coaches, awarding the Coach of the Year honor to some of the best in the profession. Despite their importance, current Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has a markedly different view of the award.
Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla Thinks Coach of the Year Award Shouldn’t Exist
The NBA Coach of the Year award is akin to the MVP award, recognizing the coach who has distinguished himself throughout the season. By that measure, Mazzulla has demonstrated his ability this year.
In Jayson Tatum’s absence for much of the regular season, Mazzulla guided the Celtics to a playoff berth, securing the No. 2 seed.
In a recent interview, Mazzulla was asked about the possibility of receiving the honor. While many would consider it the ultimate recognition, he expressed little interest.
Mazzulla explained that players and staff should be credited for the team’s success. He went further, stating the award should not exist at all.
“I think it’s a stupid award,” Mazzulla said. “They shouldn’t have it. It’s more about the players and the work the staff puts in. … I really don’t want to be asked or talk about it again.”
Joe Mazzulla GOING OFF about the Coach of the Year award 😭💀
“I think it’s a STUPID award. You shouldn’t have it. It’s more about the players and the work the staff puts in… I really don’t want to be asked or talked about it again”
h/t @NBA__Courtside
pic.twitter.com/XfTM45uimr— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 30, 2026
Looking at the odds, Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff appears to be the frontrunner for Coach of the Year. He has led Detroit to the top of the East this season after the team managed only 14 wins a few years ago. The Pistons’ turnaround reflects Bickerstaff’s effectiveness in guiding his roster.
Other contenders for the award include San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who has guided the Spurs near the top of the Western Conference; Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee; and Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott.
