In a stunning shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, Boston Celtics principal owner Wyc Grousbeck has officially announced Larry Bird, Jr. as the new head coach and manager of the franchise, just weeks after the team’s disappointing and controversial playoff exit under Joe Mazzulla.
The announcement was made early Monday morning at TD Garden during a hastily called press conference. Grousbeck, looking visibly frustrated, did not mince words.
“We thank Joe for his time with the organization,” Grousbeck said. “But after the series loss and internal evaluations, it was clear a change was needed. The standards here are championship-level — and anything less is unacceptable.”
Sources inside the organization said Mazzulla’s coaching decisions during the playoffs were met with increasing skepticism from both players and upper management. Following the loss, tensions reportedly boiled over in closed-door meetings, leading to what some insiders described as a “non-negotiable split.”
The hiring of Larry Bird, Jr., son of Celtics legend Larry Bird, signals a return to tradition with a modern edge. Though relatively new to head coaching, Bird Jr. has built a reputation for sharp basketball IQ, no-nonsense leadership, and a deep reverence for the Celtics’ legacy — something Grousbeck reportedly values deeply.
“This isn’t just about legacy,” Bird Jr. told reporters. “This is about restoring fear in our opponents, pride in our jersey, and banners in the rafters. The time for excuses is over.”
Reactions from around the league have ranged from surprise to excitement, with many eager to see if the Bird name can once again lift Boston to NBA glory.
Mazzulla, meanwhile, has not yet issued a public statement