BOSTON — While many coaches stick to a specific style of management over the course of their tenure, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla isn't afraid to try new things out. It even seems like he enjoys incorporating different philosophies into his coaching and actively seeks out opportunities to learn from other perspectives.
And the fifth-year head coach literally took on a new perspective during Boston's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Instead of coaching from the sidelines like usual, Mazzulla had two of his assistant coaches, Tony Dobbins and DJ MacLeay, lead the way. This gave those prospective head coaches a chance to showcase their leadership abilities and allowed Mazzulla to step out of the limelight (which he probably prefers) so he could spend time with Boston's video coordinators.
The Celtics ended up prevailing in Cleveland, 124-113, and Mazzulla broke down film with a few of his players during the win. That includes first-year Celtic Mike Conley, who entered the locker room early in the game — either to go the bathroom or change his equipment, according to Mazzulla — and was shown three clips from his first few possessions. Conley then returned to the floor and executed what he discussed with Mazzulla.
"Just looking for different ways to be able to see the game, communicate the game," Mazzulla recounted of his behind-the-scenes experience on Monday morning. "It's always unique because you see the offensive and the defensive coordinators in football that are watching it from above and are seeing from a whole different perspective, and they have communication down."
It's only fitting that Mazzulla would reference the coordinators in the NFL who often peer down at the gridiron from stadium suites. The Rhode Island native chatted with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels just last season. In fact, McDaniels drew up some basketball plays for Mazzulla based on the pre-snap motions of a modern NFL offense.
This isn't out of the ordinary for Mazzulla; it's actually the norm. He's implemented NFL coaching, soccer tactics, UFC fighting, and more into his own work with the Celtics. Simply put, he's a constant learner who views leadership through a collaborative lens.
Joe Mazzulla on how his in-season fighting/training helps him connect with his players:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) July 14, 2026
“I can go through the season and not have any physically taxing moments and the players are physically drained…The more I can meet them where they’re at and put (myself) in that position, I… pic.twitter.com/zuDSMaf6Jf
"At the end of the day, we all have to be on the same page about how we want things done," Mazzulla described of the working relationship between coaches and players, via Celtics CLNS.
Mazzulla's eagerness to embrace others and the knowledge they offer is a big reason why he's the reigning NBA Coach of the Year. It could also help explain why the Celtics are 2-0 to start preseason play.
Of course, Mazzulla understands that the real challenge lies beyond preseason.
"The test comes once the season starts," he emphasized at practice on Tuesday morning.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla borrows NFL tactics in preseason play