Celtics remove interim tag, name Joe Mazzulla 19th head coach in franchise history

The Boston Celtics removed Joe Mazzulla’s interim tag Thursday, officially naming the 34-year-old the 19th head coach in franchise history.

Mazzulla had been operating under the interim tag after stepping up in the wake of former Head Coach Ime Udoka’s suspension for team misconduct in September. The team also announced they have agreed to a contract extension with the now-youngest head coach in the NBA. The terms of the extension were not disclosed.

According to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, the team announced that Mazzulla would replace his former head coach Udoka as the leader on the bench. The Celtics did not divulge how the team plans to separate itself from Udoka.

Udoka led the Celtics to the doorstep of an NBA championship in his first, and now only season in Boston. Before training camp, the organization announced Udoka would serve a full-season suspension. According to reports, Udoka had an improper relationship with a member of the organization.

Despite what members of the organization have acknowledged as extraordinary circumstances, the Celtics have maintained their momentum from 2022 and look poised to make a second straight deep playoff run.

The Celtics entered the NBA’s All-Star break sporting the Eastern Conference’s best record at 42-17 and the Rhode Island native was named Eastern Conference Head Coach of the month for October/November earlier in the year. Mazzulla will coach Team Giannis in the All-Star Game on Sunday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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